USC's Martin contracted, recovered from coronavirus

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University of South Carolina men's basketball head coach Frank Martin announced on Tuesday that he contracted and has recovered from the coronavirus.

In a statement released by the school, Martin said he tested positive on May 8. He was preparing for a knee replacement surgery in early May when was diagnosed with the virus. He immediately went into quarantine at his home.

"I took a COVID-19 test on May 8," said Martin, who has been the head coach at USC for eight seasons. "Two days later, I received results that I had tested positive. I was shocked; I didn't have any symptoms, other than feeling a bit fatigued, and I immediately entered quarantine at my home. I'm thankful to say that I did not have to be hospitalized."

The 54-year-old Martin said at a follow-up visit two weeks later a coronavirus test came back negative. Martin said no one else in his family was affected by the virus.

"My immediate concern was for my family, who I have been with every single day since mid-March, and if I had infected them," Martin said. "Would they develop symptoms, would they have to be hospitalized? the anxiety, guilt, and general angst I experienced after testing positive was overwhelming. Thanks to God's will, a week later my family all tested negative, and I'm thankful to tell you that on May 23, my follow-up test results also came back negative."

Martin thanked all of those who are having to deal with the virus and its affects day in and day out.

"I'm in awe of the medical professionals and first responders who continue to courageously battle the coronavirus every day, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart," he said. He also spoke about the leadership at USC and how it is working to prepare the campus for the return of student-athletes and students in general in the next few months.

Martin asked that people still continue to show patience as the country tries to return to normal from the pandemic shutdown.

"This experience is still very raw, so let's keep being patient as we continue to move towards normalcy," Martin said. "We have a responsibility to protect, help and care for each other. Let's continue to educate ourselves about this virus, and follow the advice of medical professionals and do what we can to prevent the spread.

"Please reach out to your families and your friends who may be self-isolating, particularly the elderly, so they have someone to talk to and someone to listen. Let's take care of each other and let's keep those who are suffering from this disease and those nurses, doctors and first responders who are fighting for us in our prayers."