NBA great Patrick Ewing is being treated in hospital after contracting COVID-19.
The former New York Knicks centre has warned Americans to take the risks surrounding coronavirus seriously as states start to lax border controls.
The current coach of Georgetown University urged people to take care of themselves and stay safe.
“This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly," Ewing said.
"Now more than ever, I want to thank the healthcare workers and everyone on the front lines. "I’ll be fine and we will all get through this."
Georgetown confirmed the 57-year-old Ewing is the only member of its men’s program who has contracted the coronavirus.
As a player, the 7-foot Ewing helped Georgetown win the 1984 NCAA men’s basketball championship and reach two other title games.
He was taken with the No.1 overall pick in the 1985 NBA draft after the Knicks won the NBA’s first lottery.
Ewing wound up leading New York to the 1994 NBA Finals, where they lost to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets.
Ewing played 17 seasons in the NBA, 15 with the Knicks.
