I haven't said much here for almost a week (some RTs & key notes, but little else). I didn't want to write 'til I had spoken to @TOPublicHealth & the Raptors doctors. Let me start by saying...as a part of the Raptors travel party, I was tested for #COVIDー19 on Thurs AM (1 of 17)
I started quarantining myself on Wednesday night, as a precaution, when the Rudy Gobert news broke. By Thursdsy A.M., after my swab test, I was at home in isolation. And I've been holed-up in my bedroom since...while my wife & kid have full run of the rest of the house. (2)
I haven't left my room in 4 days. Luckily, I have an ensuite bathroom, 🤣. But I haven't been outside or left this 10x10 space in 96 hrs. I haven't hugged my wife or played w/ my kid. I'm having Skype or WhatsApp video calls w/ my family while we're all in the house together! (3)
But I'm NOT complaining! I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep my family, myself, my community, and my world safe. As many smarter than me have already written: our grandparents were called to war...but I'm being called to my bedroom, with a TV & the internet. I'm ok. (4)
Early Saturday morning I found out my test results were negative. I don't have the #CoronaVirus. Sunday afternoon I spoke w/ Rehanna (she was GREAT) at T.O. Public Health. She assured me that I was considered low-risk. I could leave isolation & move forward, self-monitoring. (5)
However, after chatting w/ my wife & factoring-in the idea that I'm a germaphobe/hypochondriac on the best of days, we decided, as a family, that I would stay in isolation this week...even though I'm healthy. Why? To be sure (or as close to sure) of my family's health/safety. (6)
Given the reported incubation period for the virus & the fact that some people are carriers in spite of negative test results, I knew the guilt I'd feel if I left my room & suddenly became sick & got them sick! If I stay locked-in, personally sick or not, THEY should be fine. (7)
Is that an overreaction? Maybe. But it's a personal choice, rooted in safety & well-being, that shouldn't be judged. So I'll continue to do my bathroom jogs (on-the-spot) for another week (8+ KM per day thus far) & my amazing wife will keep leaving me food outside the door. (8)
The worst part of isolation isn't the time apart from family -- I can hear them through the floors or shout to them (or video chat) any time. It's the solo time w/ my own thoughts, & w/ Twitter. There's SO much information out there. Whether it's pro/con, it's overwhelming. (9)
Listen, I'm the furthest thing from an expert on the #CoronaVirus. But my personal opinion is...this is no joke. We as a local/provincial/national/global community have to take this pandemic very seriously. It's maddening to see (online) how cavalier some in 🇨🇦 seem to be. (10)
Schools, pools, community centers & many stores have closed their doors. Kids sports/leagues have stopped. Nearly every major sports league has halted operations. More closures (Restaurants? Malls?) are coming, yet bars & clubs continue to be packed? C'mon people. Be better. (11)
The best way help slow the spread of the virus, from what I've read, is social distancing. Stay at home whenever possible (work may not enable folks to do that -- but socially you can make that CHOICE). Do your part to help #flattenTheCurve. Oh, and wash your hands...WELL! (12)
If I can stay in quarantine/isolation & be separated from my family in my own home, you can afford to give up that coffee, beer, or mimosa. Just stay home & reconnect w/ family & friends (or yourself), even if it's via technology & not in-person. Only go out for essentials. (13)
We will get through this -- but only if we do it together. Don't be the weak link in the chain! You aren't invincible. Have the backs of your brothers & sisters (literally & figuratively). That dinner...that outfit...that trip can wait. Invest in the world & mankind instead! (14)
Personally, while I isolate & do my part, I still plan on being an active member of @fan590's & @sportsnet's programming & coverage (whatever that may be) until sports (& the NBA specifically) returns. Hosting, guest spots...whatever they need from me from my home...I'm in! (15)
Plus, while I am using this nerve-wracking time in history to reconnect w/ my family, I will do my best to interact w/ all of you as well. You can message me any time on Twitter or Instagram (@Eric__Smith on both) to talk about the NBA/sports/movies/TV/life & more. I'm here! (16)
Finally, I'd like to thank @TOpublichealth, @raptors medical staff, @raptorsmr, @davecadeau, Rob Corte, @julieadam, @Jordan_Banks, Rebecca Ross, @dave_leiter & everyone at @FAN590/@Sportsnet for their support. Most of all: huge thanks & love to my wife & kid! Be well. (17 of 17)
