Shakib in self-isolation asks fans to stay safe
Star cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, currently serving a two-year ban (with one year suspended) from cricket has gone into self-isolation in a US hotel on Saturday amid the outbreak of COVID-19.
As of Sunday, COVID-19, the name of the illness associated with the novel coronavirus that reared its head in Wuhan, China at the fag end of last year had claimed the lives of over 14,000 people with over 300,000 people infected.
Shakib headed straight into a hotel room as a measure of precaution after reaching the United States. He has informed the authorities about the same. Additionally, he has also informed them that, he will be isolated for a few days in these high risk conditions.
"I just arrived in the USA, although the fear has always worked a bit when I was in the plane. Still, I tried to find out how to keep myself safe from the germs. Then when I arrived in the United States, I headed straight to a hotel room," he said.
In a recent video, posted on his Facebook page, Shakib also urged his fans, followers and fellow Bangladeshis to stay home to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“We have to follow the precautionary steps which can help us stay safe and healthy at this moment. We have to wash our hands frequently, we have to maintain social distance and follow the right way while coughing and sneezing,” Shakib said in the video post.
"If anyone returns from abroad, they should stay alert about not going out to see people. A 14-day quarantine is very important. I want to share my experience with it. I just arrived in the USA and came to a hotel directly. I have informed the authority that I travelled to come here and I will stay in self-isolation for 14 days. It’s tough for me, but still, I didn’t meet my daughter. I believe this small sacrifice will help us protect ourselves," he added.
By putting himself under self-isolation, Shakib Al Hasan has already set an example. He further wants people to follow the simple guidelines to protect themselves from getting effected by the virus.
The prolific all-rounder feels by spreading more awareness, we can keep the country safe.
“Hope everyone is well. The World Health Organization has called coronavirus as an epidemic. Bangladesh is not out of it. ”
"You already have heard that many coronavirus infected patients have been found in Bangladesh. We need to be careful now. Our awareness can keep our country safe, to keep us healthy."
"By following some simple steps, I think we can be free from this disease and keep our country safe from it. For example, washing hands with soap, maintaining social distance, following etiquette when coughing and home quarantine."
Shakib was banned from all cricketing activities for two years in October last year, with one year of those is suspended. The all-rounder is expected to return to the action before the T20 World Cup this year in Australia.