Danie Gerber tests positive for Covid-19

ONE of South Africa’s greatest rugby players Danie Gerber has tested positive for Covid-19 after he was diagnosed on Friday.

According to an article on heraldlive.co.za Gerber only found out about it on Friday afternoon.

“I am shocked. I cannot believe it. I am just worried about my family now. They are now awaiting results.”

Gerber said he had been on about six different aircraft over the past two weeks including flights between Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town.

“I have no clue where I could have gotten it. I have been playing golf in several places and travelling all over (SA). I have been on six aircraft and in contact with a lot of people.

“Whoever I have been in contact with, please check for symptoms and get yourself tested,”he said.

Gerber said earlier this week his body had been sore and he had a fever.

“I was in pain and went to get it checked out. I then went to the drive-through test centre (in Port Elizabeth) on Thursday and they phoned me on Friday afternoon.

"I am shocked that I was positive. I am currently at home in a room that I cannot leave. It is starting to sink in and it is very scary.”

Gerber said he had spoken to his doctor who had told him to self-isolate.

“When you do the test you fill in the forms and state where you have been. So they (the department of health) have it but they have not contacted me.

“I am feeling fine besides feeling sore. I have no other symptoms, no cough or anything like that. Luckily I stay fairly fit so I think that has helped me as well.”

Gerber, who was inducted in the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007, had a triple bypass heart operation a few years ago.

“So I am a bit worried about that but my doctor said that if symptoms manifest I need to call them. At the moment I am fine,” he said.

“I must say that it is going to be very challenging staying inside one bedroom for two weeks.”

Gerber warned people to stay off the streets.

“I see on social media and everywhere that people are still walking and driving around. It is total madness. Stay at home! This is serious and I can tell you that it can happen to anyone.”

Gerber’s Namibian connection

According to former Namibian national cricketer, Mark Barnard, who is a close friend of Gerber, the former Springbok star is a great friend of Namibia.

“He loves Namibia and our people – he reckons some of best friends come from Namibia, saying we are so friendly and we all care about one another. Danie even came to Namibia for Doug Jeffery’s funeral because of the amount of respect he had for Doug and Namibian rugby,” he said.

Barnard added that Gerber’s daughter had now also tested positive.

“Danie is a massive family man and is really upset that his daughter Elanie has now also been tested positive for the virus. His wife Elsabe, luckily has tested negative and has now had to leave their house and take up residence at a friend’s place, which obviously is breaking her heart, as she can not be there for her husband and daughter,” he said.

Barnard was, however, adamant that Gerber will overcome his current condition.

“Danie is one of the strongest and most positive sport stars in the world and has already had his fair share of trauma with his heart condition. As a resultt, he keeps himself fit and healthy and still looks the handsome man of 40 years ago. I reckon this virus does not know who it has taken on, and similar to his rugby days he will drop his shoulder and hip and knock Corona into touch,” he said.

“Danie Gerber is a legend who loves Namibia and often joins us for fundraisers and has never charged us any appearance money as he believes it’s now his turn to give back to his supporters and fans. We keep Danie and his family in our prayers and look forward to seeing him in Namibia again very soon,” he added. – additional reporting by heraldlive.co.za

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