Amid the hysteria due to the global new Coronavirus pandemic, Guyana’s table tennis player Miguel Wong, who is currently in Germany fortifying his table tennis craft, is embracing the unique opportunity to eat, sleep and breathe table tennis after being quarantined at the facility where he trains.
Wong informed Stabroek Sport that he is currently in lockdown with a number of his other colleagues at the topspin sports center in Bad Albing, Germany.
“At the moment, our center is the only functioning table tennis facility in Germany as we live and train in the same building so we are in quarantine… players aren’t allowed to leave the building nor any new players can enter,” Wong pointed out.
“We are taking full advantage of the opportunity we have to continue training as others may not have the same opportunity to,” the young man further revealed.
Germany, according to the BBC, has expanded curbs on social interactions to try to contain the coronavirus outbreak, banning public gatherings of more than two people. The aforementioned was communicated via a televised address by Chancellor Angela Merkel.
“In Germany, no-one is allowed to be on the streets or in public places. You are only allowed outside to go to the supermarket. All other businesses are closed at the moment,” Wong told this newspaper.
The disease has affected his pro schedule since Germany, like most other European States, are on lockdown. Wong was scheduled to attend the Italian and Poland Open; both have been cancelled.
Italy has been one of the worse hit countries in the world and scientists are working feverishly to develop a vaccine for the deadly disease.
“Currently I’m in self-quarantine with 12 other players in the table tennis facility. Our halls and table tennis equipment are cleaned and sanitised daily in efforts to reduce risks. I’m taking lots of vitamin C and regularly washing my hands,” the young player said.
Asked about his thoughts on the global impact of the virus, Wong said that it has caused him to ponder on many of life’s omens.
“I think the virus is an eye-opener to everyone about how we live our daily lives doing unnecessary things. With the self-quarantine in effect, we realize that so many things we do and try to consume are only a temporary luxury.”
Wong, a former junior national Table Tennis player who harbours ambitions of representing Guyana at the senior level, departed Guyana during the latter part of 2019.
