WWE confirms first coronavirus case, filming to go ahead
Sports
By
Waweru Titus
| Apr 12, 2020
The coronavirus outbreak has led to an almost complete shutdown of professional sports in the world.
The virus, having originated from Wuhan in China in December last year, continues to wreak havoc in the sporting world.
Wrestling fans have, however, continued to enjoy World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) matches at the comfort of their homes despite the pandemic.
WWE has confirmed the first positive COVID-19 test in the company.
According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, the employee has not been identified but is an on-screen talent in the company. The mystery person is not a member of the roster.
Pro Wrestling Sheet reports the person began developing symptoms and then went to get a test and is currently in quarantine.
WWE confirmed the person has recovered and is now clear of the virus and is feeling better.
“A WWE employee has tested positive for COVID-19.
“We believe this matter is low risk to WWE talent and staff, as the individual and a roommate became symptomatic in the days following exposure to two people working in acute health care on the evening of March 26, after WWE’s TV production on a closed set was already complete.
“The employee had no contact with anyone from WWE since being exposed to those two individuals, is doing well, and made a complete recovery,” WWE said in a statement.
The news comes after the entertainment company announced it will begin live shows without an audience from Monday.
The shows are filmed in Orlando, Florida, which is under a stay-at-home order until April 30.
One of the best wrestlers in recent years Roman Reigns pulled out of WrestleMania 36 at the end of March over coronavirus fears.
WWE had to make last-minute changes and bring back Braun Strowman to replace Reigns.
At WrestleMania 36, Braun Strowman faced the legendary Goldberg and won the match.
In the process, Braun Strowman won his first WWE Universal Championship.
Since the first case of Covid-19 was reported in the United States (January 20), it has spread to more than 530,000 people across all 50 states.
Data from LiveScience on Sunday (12/04/2020) shows at least 20,608 people have succumbed as a result of the deadly virus.
8,650 deaths have been confirmed in New York, more than 2,180 in New Jersey, nearly 1,384 in Michigan, 806 in Louisiana and about 634 related deaths reported in California.
According to official numbers recorded by Worldometers on Sunday (12/04/2020), there are currently 1,831,203 coronavirus cases in the world with 113,013 succumbing to the deadly virus. 420,484 have recovered from Covid-19.