Jamaican sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has tested positive for coronavirus and is now resting peacefully in quarantine.
It was confirmed by Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton who also confirmed that Bolt was formally notified.
Bolt, who celebrated his 34th birthday in Jamaica with a lavish party on Friday, is said to have taken the test on the weekend as he prepared to travel overseas.
The party was well attended by a host of celebrities, including sports stars and entertainers, some said to have recently arrived on the island. According to the Jamaica Observer, authorities have initiated contact tracing.
The Observer quoted Dr Tufton saying he is not aware of anyone coming into the island and breaching quarantine orders, noting “we do not discriminate depending on the person. The rules apply to everyone and to the extent that we have information, the rules would apply in this case”.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, also at the press conference, said the Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Bolt’s party.
He said the Police Commissioner has reported that since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Jamaica, more than 1,000 people have been charged with breaches of the Disaster Risk Management Act.
Several high-profile sports stars have already tested positive including tennis world number one Novak Djokovic in June and Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic.
