Ghanaian sports journalist, Gary Al Smith has confirmed that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a series of tweets, Mr Al-Smith said he was “doing very well, and being well taken care of.”
He said his decision to speak out about his positive test was his way of helping fight the stigma associated with contracting the disease.
“After consultation with family, we’ve decided that from I speaking about my experience,” he said in his tweet.
“We believe this can be my small way of battling the stigmatization problem being faced by COVID-19 patients.”
Some personal news:
As per statement below, the Multimedia Group, where I work, has recorded five COVID-19 cases.
I'm one of the five.
After consultation with family, we've decided that from I speaking about my experience. (1/2)https://t.co/87pNcxORiZ
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) June 18, 2020
He is one of 12, 929 people confirmed by the Ghana Health Service to have contracted the disease since the first positive test was reported in March.
4,468 people have however since recovered while 66 people have died.
Gary Al-Smith is one of five people to have contracted the disease at the Multimedia Group following recent tests.
2/2
We believe this can be my small way of battling the stigmatization problem being faced by COVID-19 patients.
I’m doing very well, and being well taken care of. Expect more updates from now on.
Gazza.https://t.co/87pNcxORiZ
— Gary #StaySafe (@garyalsmith) June 18, 2020
The company said it had “ramped up internal contact tracing, in liaison with the Ghana Health Service.”
“Together, we have ensured that team members who may have come into contact with the five (5) team members who tested positive have been tested and have gone into self-isolation for 14 days as required,” the company added.
Globally, over 8 million people have tested positive for the disease with just under half a million deaths.
A number of people have offered messages of support to Gary Al-Smith on social media, including gospel musician, Nii Okai, UK High Commissioner to Ghana Iain Walker and fellow sports journalist, Saddick Adams.
Wishing you a swift and full recovery to get well soon.
— Iain Walker 🇬🇧🇬🇭🇹🇬🇧🇯🇧🇫🚲 (@walkeriain) June 18, 2020
Get well soon, Gary. ✊
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) June 18, 2020
Speedy recovery bro
— SAMMY FORSON (@sammyforson) June 18, 2020
Feel better soon, Gary!
— Nana Ama Agyemang Asante (@JustNanaAma) June 18, 2020
thinking of you and your family Gary – get well soon ✊🏾🙏🏾
— Vera Kwakofi (@verakwakofi) June 18, 2020
The Lord keep you and your loved ones safe in Jesus name. It is well.
— Joe Jackson (@Joe_Jackson_GH) June 19, 2020
Healing streams flowing to you sir
— Nii Okai #iManifest #RUTour2020 (@AtaaNiiOkai) June 18, 2020
Get well soon my brother. You shall overcome
— Ameyaw Debrah (@ameyaw112) June 18, 2020
Thank you for being a champ and sharing this news @garyalsmith! Wishing you speedy recovery – you’ll overcome inshAllah. 💛
— Jemila #ThriveWithDigital 💫🇬🇭 (@jabdulai) June 18, 2020
