New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has first known case of coronavirus in the NFL
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton is the first known NFL-related person to test positive for the coronavirus, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Payton said he was tested on Monday and learned of the results Thursday.
“I was fortunate to be in the minority, without the serious side effects that some have,” Payton told Schefter. “I’m lucky. Younger people feel like they can handle this, but they can be a carrier to someone who can’t handle it. So we all need to do our part. It’s important for every one of us to do our part.”
Payton is resting at home and feels fatigued but has no fever or cough. He’ll be quarantined through Sunday and is optimistic about a full recovery.
He announced his diagnosis because “he wants all people to heed the warnings of government officials, stay inside, and behave responsibly,” Schefter reports.
“This is not just about social distancing,” Payton said. “It’s shutting down here for a week to two weeks. If people understand the curve, and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it. Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. It’s not complicated to do what they’re asking of us. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact.”
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 3:46 PM with the headline "New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has first known case of coronavirus in the NFL."
