Deaf model Nyle DiMarco refuses COVID-19 testing to allow those with worse symptoms access to kits

Deaf model and actor Nyle DiMarco decided not to get tested despite showing COVID-19 symptoms to ensure that people with more serious cases have access to testing kits first.

The 30-year-old revealed he was experiencing symptoms of the disease since March 15, as per his Instagram post yesterday, March 22.

He then stated that it is “very possible” that he contracted the coronavirus but reassured his fans that he is now feeling better. While DiMarco has access to get tested for the virus and the disease it causes, he refused to do so.

“The reason is because there is a shortage of [COVID-19] test kits in the [United States] and the sick patients need it more than I do,” he explained.

View this post on Instagram

I do not typically do this but I wanted to share something… I’ve been really sick and I am now on the mend. It is very possible I contracted coronavirus and I have access to get tested but I do not want to. The reason is because there is a shortage of covid-19 test kits in the U.S. and the sick patients need it more than I do. For 48 hours starting Sunday night, I had a fever, body chills, a sore throat and a mild cough. All these are symptomatic of COVID-19. Some with COVID-19 have reported not being able to taste or smell. That was my experience too. I knew I wasn’t a high risk so I stayed calm. I communicated with my doctor and self-quarantined. I kept an eye out for any respiratory issues because if it worsened, it could be deadly. But I recovered…. And I still am self-isolating. I’d like to stress that testing is important. Widespread testing has been a key part for some countries like South Korea’s efforts in handling Covid-19. 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. And stay at home to avoid spreading and help flattening the curve. We’re in this together. Let look out for each other!!

A post shared by Nyle DiMarco (@nyledimarco) on Mar 21, 2020 at 12:05pm PDT

He noted that he had a fever, body chills, a sore throat and a mild cough for 48 hours starting March 15. DiMarco added that he has also experienced not being able to taste or smell, which others with COVID-19 have reportedly felt.

“I knew I wasn’t a high risk so I stayed calm. I communicated with my doctor and self-quarantined,” DiMarco said. “I kept an eye out for any respiratory issues because if it worsened, it could be deadly.”

Despite the symptoms, he said he has since recovered and is currently self-isolating to stop the spread of the disease. The Deaf model-actor also emphasized the importance of testing amid the pandemic.

“Widespread testing has been a key part for some countries like South Korea’s efforts in handling [COVID-19],” he stressed.

He then urged others who may experience symptoms but are healthier and do not feel respiratory issues to prioritize sick patients that need to get tested. DiMarco also reminded the public to stay home to avoid spreading the virus.

“We’re in this together,” he added. “[Let’s] look out for each other!” JB

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TAGS: covid-19, Deaf celebrities, novel coronavirus, Nyle DiMarco, United States