Ian Poulter and Jon Rahm urge people to stay at home
Ryder Cup stars Ian Poulter and Jon Rahm make an online plea, asking people to take self-isolation seriously.
Life is pretty strange at the moment. If you go outside it feels quiet and eerie. The coronavirus has caused a global lockdown where governments around the world have asked citizens to stay at home if they can and avoid unnecessary social contact, but some people simply aren't listening.
Ryder Cup veteran Ian Poulter released an emotional video from his home in the United States, saying he feels upset by the number of people who aren't taking this current pandemic seriously.
Hi guys I know it’s difficult but if we all listen and distance ourself and not gather in groups we can stop the spread. I’m seeing so many videos of selfish, disrespectful people who think this is a joke. If you don’t listen this will spiral out of control even more. pic.twitter.com/5Jg3y0BPOg
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) March 20, 2020
Poulter, 44, asked people to take a look at the health crisis that is currently ongoing in countries like Italy, where thousands have died due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
The Englishman said he is "frustrated" by the number of videos he has seen of the younger generation still attending pool parties and explained how vital it is that everyone does their bit to contain the virus, otherwise it will continue to spread.
Poulter pleaded for the influencers of the world to spread the message and his Ryder Cup team mate and current world number two Jon Rahm came to his aid.
The Spaniard posted a video of his own, saying how "concerning" it is that Poulter had to post "a video like that" and asked millennials to take self-isolation seriously.
Please everyone respect the people around you as try to stay home and limit the amount of people you have contact with, this virus is not a joke#IStayAtHome Este vídeo está dedicado más al público estadounidense, estamos intentando prevenir lo que paso en España e Italia pic.twitter.com/GGVttZbe8I
— Jon Rahm Rodriguez (@JonRahmpga) March 20, 2020
Golf and other sports have taken a sudden halt for the forseeable future, with the PGA Tour cancelled for the next month or so and the first two majors of the year - The Masters and US PGA Championship - have also been postponed until further notice.
Health professionals have confirmed that playing golf is a good way to keep active and safe during the isolation period, but numerous precautions have been taken by golf clubs to improve hygiene and limit the spread of the virus.
