Jason Collins and partner test positive for coronavirus
The former NBA pro, who came out in 2013, says he and his partner have tested positive for COVID-19
By Tim Heap
Former professional basketball star and LGBTQ activist Jason Collins has revealed he has tested positive for coronavirus.
Collins, who used to play for the Brooklyn Nets and made history when he came out in 2013, took to social media to share that he and his partner Brunson Green have been diagnosed with the disease.
In a series of tweets posted on Tuesday, Collins said that he’s had symptoms since 11 March, and believes he picked up the virus during a trip to New York in early march for a Pride basketball match at his former club.
He says the illness started with a “terrible headache”, and both he and Green came down with a fever and cough a few days later. They’ve been self-isolating at home since.
On Saturday I went to the ER and got tested and spoke with some docs about the tightness in my chest. I’m home now resting but still experiencing some tightness and might go back to the hospital later today. On Saturday my lungs were clear, which obviously is good.
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) March 24, 2020
“On Saturday I went to the ER and got tested and spoke with some docs about the tightness in my chest,” he wrote.
“I’m home now resting but still experiencing some tightness and might go back to the hospital later today. On Saturday my lungs were clear, which obviously is good.”
Thank you for all the well wishes. Deeply grateful for the ❤️. Also battling #COVID19 is my partner, @BrunsonGreen. He’s doing better today, but we’re still not out of the woods yet. We’re continuing to self isolate in our home.
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) March 24, 2020
He also encouraged people to observe social distancing measures to help flatten the curve and prevent health care systems from becoming overwhelmed by people with the virus.
Collins has shared an update on his and Green’s conditions in the last 24 hours, saying they’re “still dealing with some symptoms but they’re much more manageable now” and thanking people – including tennis legend Billie Jean King – for the well wishes.
Day 15 since our symptoms first appeared— @BrunsonGreen & I are feeling a lot better. We’re still dealing with some symptoms but they’re much more manageable now. Thank you again for all the well wishes & ❤️. If you’re battling #COVID19, keep hope & keep fighting. 🙏🏾
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) March 26, 2020
I have to give love to my medical health team. Thank you Cindy & Dr Maidan!!! And thank you to the docs & nurses at @UCLA @UCLAHealth Westwood ER!!! ❤️🙏🏾
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) March 26, 2020
The US has today (27 March) become the most-infected country, surpassing China where the pandemic originated. Four Brooklyn Nets players have also tested positive for COVID-19 since the outbreak began.