David “Doc” Sands has tested positive for the coronavirus. The high stakes pro is the first “big name” in poker to contract the virus and he took to Twitter to share his story.
1/ I was diagnosed with COVID-19 last night. I want to share my experience in case it is helpful to others. I am 35yo male with no preexisting conditions who is married with two children. I don't smoke, rarely drink and workout 4x/week during normal times.
— David Sands (@Doc_Sands) March 22, 2020
Sands currently has $8.5 million in live tournament winnings and is known to battle the world’s best in the biggest cash game in Las Vegas.
Doc Sands Only the First
Last week we reported how Winning Poker Network CEO Phil Nagy had sadly lost his brother in law to coronavirus, leaving the former’s mother and sister to self-isolate in fear of spreading to other loved ones.
It was only a matter of time until one of poker’s big names became ill, dishing out a dose of harsh reality to those who are still saying it is “only the flu”.
This crisis doesn’t seem real to those who haven’t been personally touched in some way. But for many poker players and fans, Phil Nagy’s tragedy and Doc Sands’ story is the first step on that journey.
As major sports and entertainment stars hit the headlines following positive tests, the seriousness of this pandemic will slowly solidify what is coming to many families around the world.
Doc Sands Keeping His Spirits Up
Doc Sands, at 35-years-old is clearly far from the “at risk” category. He tweeted,
“I am 35yo male with no preexisting conditions who is married with two children. I don’t smoke, rarely drink and workout 4x/week during normal times.”
12/ I recognize that the virus will impact people in higher-risk demographics more severely than it impacted me. But, from a global standpoint, it's encouraging to know that the symptoms should be mild for most healthy adults.
— David Sands (@Doc_Sands) March 22, 2020
Sands took the time to write a 13-part post on Twitter detailing his experience and was also offering some insight into the symptoms.
What was surprising, and what will also be educational to those who don’t know what to expect, is how the symptoms are not always what is being reported in the media.
This is why the self-isolating advice being given all over the world is so important. There will be potentially millions of people infected who have no idea that this is the case.
The authorities tell us there are 423,000 cases currently worldwide but the real number is almost certainly many levels higher.
Many Well Wishers From the Poker Community
As might be expected, there were a slew of well-wishing messages from high-profile characters in the poker world.
Phil Hellmuth was quick to send his best wishes.
Thanks for sharing @Doc_sands, your detailed account will help many of us. Kat and I are sending you and your family good vibes, and best wishes #POSITIVITY https://t.co/X64K50K9NY
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) March 22, 2020
Insane! I remember elbow shaking with you at the gym talking about all this stuff well before it was even on most people’s radar. Glad to hear you are OK man. https://t.co/jCQIfHMtzI — Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) March 23, 2020 The major lesson here is that just because you don’t have severe symptoms you are not putting other people at risk. More than 80% of the coronavirus deaths so far have been those aged over 50-years-old. The younger ones almost always had an underlying pre-existing condition that worsened their chances. Sands has no idea where he might have become infected. Many began hypothesising about his children bringing it home from school but this is a shot in the dark. We will never know for sure. As this situation worsens, the question on everyone’s mind is whether or not the 2020 World Series of Poker will take place. People are talking on the matter but with everything changing day-by-day it is increasingly becoming a lot less likely. Stay tuned to the latest poker news to hear of any new developments, and we wish Doc Sands and his family the best for the future. When signing up through VIP-Grinders.com on partypoker, you can now earn up to 60% cashback on partypoker plus take part in the following exclusive VIP-Grinders Promotions with massive extra value: Terms and conditions apply. New customer offer and 18+ only. Should you require help regarding your betting pattern, please visit www.begambleaware.org.
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