No special treatment for Bolt - Holness says cops investigating sprint legend’s birthday party

Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday said that there would be no special treatment for persons found in breach of COVID-19 guidelines as the police commence an investigation into an activity relating to retired sprinter Usain Bolt. The eight-time Olympic champion and world record holder in the 100m and 200m, returned a positive test for COVID-19 yesterday.

Bolt, who turned 34 last Friday, got a surprise birthday party that day. The event was attended by several of his friends including professional footballers Leon Bailey and Raheem Sterling. Based on videos from the event, many of the patrons did not wear masks or observe physical distancing guidelines imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Under the Disaster Risk Management Act, the main law used in the fight against COVID-19, gatherings are restricted to 20 people, who should be at least six feet apart.

Bolt took the COVID-19 test the day after his party, ahead of a business trip overseas. "The police are investigating. They are looking into all aspects of the matter, so no one is going to be treated with any exemption or given any special treatment," Holness said. "All Jamaicans have a duty, and, of course, those who have the public ear and have influence in public spheres, they have an even greater duty."

Rules apply to everyone

Health minister Dr Christopher Tufton, responding to a question about what would happen to persons who should have been in home quarantine, having recently returned from overseas, but were at the party, said that "the rules apply to everyone." "We do not discriminate ... The rules apply to everyone, and to the extent that we have information, then the rules will apply," he said.

Bolt, in a video message yesterday, said he was not having any symptoms. At the time he said that he was yet to be notified by the health officials, but promised that he would self-quarantine. "Until then, I will call my friends and tell them once they came in contact with me to be safe, quarantine and take it easy," he said.