National cricketer, Anthony Adams, was recently diagnosed with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and as such, is using his experience to stress on the importance of practicing proper precautions.
In an exclusive interview with this publication, the left-arm spinner detailed that he had taken a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test late March, but did not get his results as expeditiously as he would have thought.
While feeling “a bit under the weather” with an uncomfortable cough, Adams expressed his symptoms to his friends and that he had taken the test but did not get his results.
He revealed that his peers were adamant that “if they don’t call you back after so long, then it must mean you don’t have it.”
Still not satisfied with that reasoning, Adams’ worst fears were realized when he got a call from the hospital where he conducted the test five days after and was told the news that he had contracted the virus and would need to be isolated.
The Essequibo franchise captain explained: “It is very easy to contract the virus; I personally don’t know where I got it from.”
He recalled though, that he has been following the guidelines attentively as it relates to “washing hands, using sanitizers and masks.”
Adams said he wants to inform his fellow countrymen to be their brother’s keeper and lookout for each other.
“I just want to let everyone know that COVID is real, it is deadly and we have to look out for each other, practice social distancing, don’t go out unnecessarily, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, eat healthy and remain cautious at all times,” he said.
Since going into self-isolation in his Dairy, West Demerara home, Adams said that it becomes a bit lonely at times but with the way communication has gotten easier due to social media, he is still able to ‘be in the loop’ and keep up with his training regime.
The 28-year-old was moved by the huge outpouring of support from friends, family, fellow cricketers and administrators who were quick to offer words of encouragement and comfort.
Last month Guyana recorded its highest number of cases in a single month with 1664 while 11 days into April, 795 cases and 27 deaths have been recorded. Since the pandemic was first identified on local shores, 11,044 cases have been recorded with 252 deaths. Worldwide, 135 million people have tested positive with 2.92M deaths.
If anyone is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or need any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 IMMEDIATELY or visit the Ministry of Health.
