U.S. Basketball hall-of-fame Patrick Ewing announced on Friday that he has tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) and has been hospitalised.

Ewing, who is now the head coach of Georgetown University basketball team shared his status on Twitter, along with a statement by the university.

“I want to share that I have tested positive for COVID-19. This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly,” the Jamaica-born Ewing said.

“I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Now more than ever, I want to thank healthcare workers and everyone on the front lines. I’ll be fine and we will all get through this.”

Here is the statement by the university:

The 57-year-old Ewing played basketball between 1985 and 2002, predominantly for New York Knicks.