The WNBA has now been impacted with the coronavirus after Los Angeles Sparks guard Sydney Wiese became the first known member of the league to test positive. The team announced the news this past weekend and they revealed Wiese got tested after playing basketball overseas. The Sparks said Wiese is dealing with “mild” symptoms and she’s in good spirits.
“Los Angeles Sparks guard Sydney Wiese tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from playing overseas in Spain,” the statement said. “Her symptoms are mild and she’s in positive spirits and feeling fine. She’s been in self-isolation at home in Phoenix since her return and is encouraging everyone to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of the virus. The Sparks are in direct communication with Sydney and wish her a speedy recovery.”
Wiese would soon confirm the news on Twitter.
“I tested positive for COVID-19,” she wrote. “I am feeling well- fortunate to only show mild symptoms, but I am capable of spreading it. All of us are united in our fight to stop this spread and keep everyone safe/healthy. I will do my part, and I hope you do too.”
She then stated her symptoms were loss of taste and smell and revealed she was denied twice to take a test despite showing obvious symptoms.
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“The problem we are facing is lack of accessibility to testing,” she wrote. “I was denied two times because I wasn’t showing enough symptoms, but I am someone who SHOULD receive a test. Unsure if I am well or not, some symptoms, but not the main ones.”
She then advised the public to do their part by engaging in social distancing and washing their hands.
“The reality is we are all capable of carrying the virus and capable of spreading it,” she added. “Social distancing, isolating, washing hands, being overly cautious is what’s best right now.. not just for ourselves, but for OTHERS.
The 24-year-old was drafted by the Sparks No. 11 overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft.
