Spaniard encourages those suffering during this pandemic
Rafael Nadal took to social media on Saturday evening to share a message in support of those dealing with the worldwide coronavirus situation. In Spanish, the 33-year-old thanked those on the front lines combatting the virus, encouraged those who are suffering from it and more.
See the full message, in English, below.
Hi everyone.
First of all, I just wanted to apologise because I was out of social media for some time, but these are very difficult times for everyone. This whole situation is overwhelming us and we are all committed in the best possible way from our homes.
I wanted to send a message of thanks to all the doctors, nurses and all the health personnel who are all protecting us, and to the police forces, civil and national guard, the army, and all those who make us feel a little safer, who are in the first line of fire. After all, they are those who are most at risk of catching [the virus] and they are our heroes. I want to express my admiration and thank you all.
Finally, I want to send encouragement to all the families who are suffering, both the infected, and especially those with relatives or friends who have died from the coronavirus. Send them a message of encouragement. It is difficult to say something in these difficult times, and I can only say in this case that we all feel very sorry, that we trust that at this moment we can go ahead with our lives as soon as possible.
There are also positive things in these difficult times. We are demonstrating to be a united people, many companies are being supportive and contributing, and all citizens are showing ourselves united day after day, complying with all the standards that health [departments] advises us: stay at home, follow all the indications to end this terrible pandemic as soon as possible.
Thank you and see you soon,
Rafa
Rafael Nadal sends ‘message of thanks’ to health workers in coronavirus video
Rafael Nadal is quarantined in his home as Spain deals with the global pandemic.
Rafael Nadal has hailed people who work in the health care system as ‘heroes’ for their efforts as the coronavirus crisis continues to grow around the world. In Spain, the government has declared a state of emergency to help limit the spread of the virus.
The number of positive cases in the country has risen to over 28,570 while 1,720 people have died from the outbreak.
Spain is the second worst-hit European nation behind Italy and in a television address on Saturday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez revealed they would be looking to extend the state of emergency until April 11.
Nadal was among several players forced to leave the United States when the BNP Paribas Open was cancelled two weeks ago.
The world No 2 returned to his hometown of Porto Cristo, Mallorca and has been working on his physical fitness as he is unable to practise outside.
In a bid to protect the people at his nearby academy, Nadal closed down the state-of-the-art facility last week.
The coronavirus has had a huge impact on tennis with the ATP suspending play until June 8, when it is hoped the situation will have improved enough for the season to resume.
But in a video posted on social media, Nadal, sent a message of encouragement to people in these difficult times.
“First of all, I just wanted to apologise because I was out of social media for some time, but these are very difficult times for everyone,” he said.
“This whole situation is overwhelming us and we are all committed in the best possible way from our homes.
“I wanted to send a message of thanks to all the doctors, nurses and all the health personnel who are all protecting us, and to the police forces, civil and national guard, the army, and all those who make us feel a little safer, who are in the first line of fire.
“After all, they are those who are most at risk of catching [the virus] and they are our heroes. I want to express my admiration and thank you all.
“Finally, I want to send encouragement to all the families who are suffering, both the infected and especially those with relatives or friends who have died from the coronavirus.
“Send them a message of encouragement. It is difficult to say something in these difficult times, and I can only say in this case that we all feel very sorry, that we trust that at this moment we can go ahead with our lives as soon as possible.
“There are also positive things in these difficult times.
“We are demonstrating to be a united people, many companies are being supportive and contributing, and all citizens are showing ourselves united day after day, complying with all the standards that health [departments] advises us: stay at home, follow all the indications to end this terrible pandemic as soon as possible.”
