As the NBA community processes a stunning development, Jaylen Brown is trying to be a voice of reason.
Early Wednesday night -- hours before the NBA announced it has suspended its season due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak -- the Boston Celtics wing shared a message for fans on Twitter about what role they can play in limiting the spread of the global pandemic.
Everyone can play a role in slowing down the spread of this Virus
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 11, 2020
It may not be about you but there are people who are at risk elderly and people fighting off other infections etc please stay home if you can
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 11, 2020
Please do not dismiss this !
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 11, 2020
Our hospitals and health care can only hold so much it’s NOT ABOUT YOU please take the proper precautions
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 11, 2020
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 11, 2020
Brown then went on Instagram Live to deliver a similar message: Hospitals only can handle a certain number of patients, and by avoiding large crowds and practicing good hygiene, everyone can help limit the virus' spread to ease the burden on health care facilities, otherwise known as "flattening the curve."
— Nick (@Nick_Collins14) March 11, 2020
Brown and his Celtics teammates reportedly were told Wednesday night to self-quarantine after the NBA announced that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had tested positive for coronavirus.
The Celtics played the Jazz in Utah on Feb. 26 and again on March 6 in Boston, with Gobert playing in both games.
The league announced it is suspending its season shortly after Brown's video, prompting further reaction from Brown and teammate Enes Kanter on Twitter.
I pray this virus doesn’t fulfill it’s original intent
— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) March 12, 2020
Stay Safe Everyone! 🙏
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) March 12, 2020
💦🧼👏
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) March 12, 2020
The NBA suspending operations certainly is a shock -- the Celtics were set to play the NBA-leading Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night -- but considering a player just tested positive, it's a prudent move to prevent the virus from spreading further.
You can learn more about the coronavirus on the CDC's official website here.