We don’t deserve him.
It’s safe to say that 2020 has been a challenge, all things considered. In the wake of this pandemic, schools are closed, streets are cleared, and doctors in many parts of the world are being forced to choose who should get access to potentially life-saving treatment. In times like these, it helps to have someone to look up to, and no I’m not referring to Gal Gadot and Co’s unfortunate rendition of “Imagine.”
There are far more pressing worries here in the U.S. Namely the sharp increase in cases of COVID-19 and the limited access to testing kits. In the face of such a challenge, it helps when celebrities like Nyle DiMarco decide to forgo testing, and instead opt to self-isolate until several days after their symptoms fade. The actor posted a video to Instagram, which is both signed and captioned.
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“I’ve been really sick and am now on the mend,” says DiMarco. “It is very possible I contracted Coronavirus and I have access to get tested but I do not want to. The reason is that there is a shortage of COVID-19 test kits in the U.S. and the sick patients need it more than I do.”
He stresses that he understands that testing is important and has been proven to curtail further spread of the disease in countries like South Korea. The unfortunate reality is that the U.S. has not been as well equipped or prepared for the pandemic, and so access to tests has been scarce. Despite this many celebrities are getting tested regardless of whether they are high risk or even showing symptoms.
“I knew I wasn’t a high risk so I stayed calm,” he wrote. High-risk individuals include those over 60 or those who are immunocompromised. Upon the onset of his symptoms, DiMarco contacted his doctor over the phone, self-quarantined, and monitored his respiratory system, preparing himself to act quickly if his condition worsened. Thankfully, he has since recovered.
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“In a perfect world, I’d take the test. Unfortunately, the U.S. lacks enough test kits. If you are healthy and have no respiratory issues, I encourage you to be mindful of sick patients that need to get tested more than you do.”
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DiMarco reported a fever, body chills, a sore throat, and a mild cough. If you are experiencing similar symptoms contact your doctor and follow their advice. Stay home unless you need medical support. As he said, “We’re in this together. Let’s look out for each other!”
