Saints' Payton tests positive for coronavirus

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton tested positive for the coronavirus, he revealed to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Payton said he received his test results Thursday. He began to feel unwell Sunday, one day after attending horse races at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

The 56-year-old is the first person associated with the NFL who's been known to test positive for the coronavirus. Payton said he's been fatigued but doesn't have a cough or a fever, which are the most common symptoms of COVID-19.

Appreciate the well wishes. I'm feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home.#BEATCovid pic.twitter.com/vvjbnqoeZx

- Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) March 19, 2020

The coach says he went public with his test result in an effort to encourage others to listen to health officials who've been pleading with the public to stay indoors.

"This is not just about social distancing," Payton said. "It's shutting down here for a week to two weeks. If people understand the curve and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it. Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. It's not complicated to do what they're asking of us. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact.

"I was fortunate to be in the minority, without the serious side effects that some have. I'm lucky. Younger people feel like they can handle this, but they can be a carrier to someone who can't handle it. So we all need to do our part. It's important for every one of us to do our part."

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