Raptors players told to self-quarantine for next 14 days

By Sportsnet staff and News Staff

With the NBA suspending its season after a player on the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19, the league is asking their recent opponents to self-quarantine.

The Toronto Raptors are among the teams that have played against the Jazz over the past 10 days and the players will have to be in self-quarantine for the next 14 days.

The Raptors were also given precautionary tests for coronavirus Wednesday night.

“Out of an abundance of caution, members of the Raptors traveling party have been tested for the virus,” a statement from the team read on Thursday.

“We await those results. Our players, coaches and traveling staff have all been advised to go into self-isolation for 14 days, which means minimizing contact in accordance with public health guidelines. Our team doctors remain in communication with infection control specialists and public health authorities, and we will continue to abide by their advice.”

The Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons also played against the Jazz during that stretch and have been asked to self-quarantine.

According to ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski, Rudy Gobert was tested for the coronavirus ahead Utah’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the league was awaiting the results before deciding whether to go ahead with the game. Gobert was reportedly not at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday, but was with the team in Oklahoma City.

After fans waited 30 minutes for tipoff, the NBA announced that the game was postponed “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Since the game against Utah, team members have made two public appearance – one last night at a charity bowling event at the Ballroom in the city’s entertainment district. Those who were in attendance are being asked to monitor their health and contact professionals should symptoms of COVID-19 develop.

Read the Raptors’ complete statement below:

      “The safety of our players, staff, fans and the media who cover our team is paramount. While we are disappointed the NBA season has been suspended because of the COVID-19 global pandemic, we completely support the league’s decision.

      “The Toronto Raptors played the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Monday night, and as is usual during an NBA game, the players were in close physical contact. On Wednesday evening, testing revealed that a Jazz player tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

      “Out of an abundance of caution, members of the Raptors traveling party have been tested for the virus. We await those results. Our players, coaches and traveling staff have all been advised to go into self-isolation for 14 days, which means minimizing contact in accordance with public health guidelines. Our team doctors remain in communication with infection control specialists and public health authorities, and we will continue to abide by their advice.

      “Since returning from Utah on Tuesday morning, team members have made two public appearances. According to Toronto Public Health, being in close contact with someone who does not have COVID-19, but was exposed to someone with COVID-19, does not constitute a risk for getting COVID-19 and does not require public health follow up. People who attended these events should continue to monitor their health, practice social distancing and hand washing, and contact a health professional should they develop symptoms.

      “The Raptors are very grateful to our community of fans, friends, and family for their support through this season, and for their understanding as we face this unprecedented situation together.”

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