Olympic champ Abdulrashid Sadulaev revealed that he got infected by the coronavirus disease. The Russian wrestler admitted that he did not take the pandemic seriously and got infected. “I admit like most of my countrymen I too did not attach importance to the coronavirus,” the Dagestan wrestler said in his Instagram post. “We really underestimated the disease, we began to feel its danger and threat only when it knocked on our door. I myself transferred it”.
Sadulaev who has now recovered from the infection has urged the public to responsibly approach the threat, and adhere to the recommendations of doctors and specialists. He has also asked to keep social distancing and minimise contacts during the Uraza-Bayram holiday.
“I want to urge you to celebrate at home. We need to take care not only of ourselves but also of people who are around us, especially our elders. And people with chronic illnesses endure it very hard. I understand that sitting at home for the third month is not an easy task, but we need to show a little patience. This is our only way out. Relief comes for every burden.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday had said that COVID-19 situation in Dagestan was particularly difficult and that the mainly Muslim region’s healthcare system was under serious strain.
The Caspian Sea region of Dagestan has reported 3,460 cases of the new coronavirus and 29 deaths, although Russian media reports have suggested the real figures are much higher.