“Dancing With the Stars” champ Nyle DiMarco is recovering from what he believes was the coronavirus -- but he doesn’t know if that’s what it was because he didn’t get tested.
And for a good reason.
MORE: 'Queer Eye's' Antoni Porowski and other celebs are fostering dogs during coronavirus outbreak"I’ve been really sick and I am now on the mend," DiMarco, the season 22 winner, tweeted on Saturday, March 21. "It is very possible I contracted coronavirus and I have access to get tested but I do not want to. The reason is because there is a shortage of COVID-19 test kits in the U.S. and the sick patients need it more than I do."
The deaf activist explained that, for 48 hours beginning the previous Sunday night, he experienced coronavirus-like symptoms such as a fever, body chills, a sore throat and a mild cough. On top of all that, DiMarco noticed a loss in the sensations of taste and smell, two further indicators that someone may be infected with coronavirus.
The 30-year-old -- who also won cycle 22 of “America’s Next Top Model” -- said he communicated with his doctor and, since he didn’t consider himself to be a high-risk case, DiMarco self-quarantined and monitored how things went during self-isolation.
MORE: Rihanna's foundation donates $5 million for coronavirus relief efforts"In a perfect world, I would take the test," DiMarco added, noting how testing has been crucial in the fight against COVID-19. Due to the U.S. lacking enough kits to test everyone, though, he urged people to be more mindful of those who might be worse off than you. Staying at home if you feel sick, he also urged, is key to flattening the curve.
As for how he is feeling now, DiMarco said on Monday, he is "back to 100% now."
"Just that I need my ability to taste and smell back," he said, letting fans know not to worry about him. Then, he even joked that he didn’t need his hearing back.