Josh Maurer is like many broadcasters that had traveled throughout the country over the past few weeks concerned about the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Maurer, who works as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Boston College Eagles men’s basketball teams along with the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket, said in a string of tweets that he likely has been having coronavirus symptoms.
“I’ve been told by doctors over the phone to assume I have Covid-19 and have been in quarantine at my house in Providence, R.I.,” Maurer tweeted. “I’m fortunate that my symptoms are manageable. I ask often if it’s possible to get tested, but as of now there is still no way for me to receive one.”
Maurer has been in self-quarantine with symptoms of the virus such as consistent fever or chills along with shortness of breath since returning to his home in Providence on March 12. Maurer said his symptoms are manageable and that he is feeling better.
Maurer told the Boston Herald that he may have picked up the virus while traveling in the last few weeks broadcasting the Eagles basketball games in Florida and the ACC Tournament in North Carolina.
Maurer said he knew it was a risk even though he followed guidelines set by medical professionals to disinfectant wipes and wash his hands wherever he went.
“I was being I thought pretty vigilant, but the reality is, I think in the course of that week between going to Florida State, and then coming home and then going to the ACC tournament, I think I came into contact casually with more people during that week-long stretch than I do in any other week of my year.” Maurer told the website.
“There were a lot of fans there. So as careful as you might try to be, I just know that I exposed myself to the risk more than I should have.”
While Maurer said he would like to have a test to confirm if he is positive, Maurer said he firmly believes that people with severe cases must have priority to take coronavirus kits because of their limited availability.
Maurer expressed his frustration with Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and others leaders in the country, saying they are making decisions without having enough information about how to fight the spread of the virus.
“Our leaders are being asked to make decisions based off of the incorrect numbers they are presented,” he tweeted. “My point is this – our leaders are flying blindly in trying to guide us through the next steps. Please take this threat as seriously as it deserves to be.”
“It’s likely that the situation in your community is worse than you realize at the moment. Thanks for reading and letting me get this off my chest! Stay safe and healthy!”
