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Former Bachelor Colton Underwood says he tested positive for coronavirus

by Brooke Seipel - 03/20/20 7:05 PM ET

Former “The Bachelor” star Colton Underwood, 28, announced in an Instagram video on Friday that he has tested positive for coronavirus.

“I have been following all of the social distancing rules since last week. My symptoms started a few days ago, I was tested and just received my results today,” Underwood wrote on Instagram. “Please do yourself and your loved ones a favor and stay home. We will all beat this and come out stronger on the other side.”

Underwood, who had the titular role in the 23rd season of “The Bachelor,” said he got tested after he became symptomatic earlier in the week and had been quarantining while he awaited test results.

In the video he posted, he said he was exhausted and was revealing his diagnosis to remind young, healthy people they are also at risk of contracting the virus.

“The main thing is I can’t even walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath or going to the bathroom without having to sit down because I’m exhausted,” Underwood said.

View this post on Instagram

I tested positive and I have been following all of the social distancing rules since last week. My symptoms started a few days ago, I was tested and just received my results today. For anyone out there that is hesitant to self quarantine… please do yourself and your loved ones a favor and stay home. We will all beat this and come out stronger on the other side. I’ll keep you posted, Love y’all.

A post shared by Colton Underwood (@coltonunderwood) on Mar 20, 2020 at 1:29pm PDT

Underwood is the latest public figure to test positive for the virus, which is rapidly spreading across the country and prompting cities to issue lockdowns.

Other celebrities who have revealed a positive coronavirus diagnosis include Tom Hanks and his wife, actress Rita Wilson, NBA player Kevin Durant and actor Idris Elba, among others.

Initial reports from world health officials noted that the novel coronavirus has been most deadly for those over 65 or with underlying health conditions, but scientists have recently issued more stark warnings to millennials and younger people that the disease can also cause them serious harm.

Young people are also encouraged to social isolate as the illness can be spread among those who are asymptomatic.

Tags Coronavirus COVID-19 The Bachelor