The coronavirus doesn’t discriminate by nationality, race, gender or age. It impacts men and women from all walks of life, including those within our Eurovision family. On Tuesday, Cascada’s Natalie Horler confirmed that she’s tested positive for the virus. And now Australia Decides 2020 finalist Jaguar Jonze has revealed her own fight with Covid-19.
Jaguar — born Deena Lynch — has been traveling quite a bit recently. The musician-photographer-illustrator landed in the United States in early March for a ten-show tour. But then, in a narrative repeated all around the world amid tightening restrictions, most of her shows were rightly cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Jaguar Jonze: “I’ve tested positive for coronavirus”
She returned to Australia last Thursday but fell ill shortly afterwards. She then took a coronavirus test and on Tuesday announced her results on social media.
“Hey everyone, I promised I’d update and I’m sorry it’s taken so long. I’ve been focused on recovering and I can’t remember the last time I felt this lethargic, to the point that I haven’t been able to do anything except be a potato. So I’ve also been relishing in potato life and learning to slow down. I’ve been dealing with a fluctuating fever but today I feel a lot better than the last 4 days. And today, I finally got my test results back and unfortunately, I’ve tested positive for COVID-19.”
“Tracking it back, they think I would’ve caught it on my journey back home from the US. The ironic thing is, I booked an early flight back from the US to be safe and at home in Australia. I wore a mask my entire flight and hand sanitised/washed my hands at every given moment. This shows how easy it is to spread and shows the importance of self-isolation right now (…) I’m going back to potato life to recover but I’ll be in touch again while in quarantine. Please be social distancing, I promise once I feel better I will think of ways for us to feel connected in a disconnecting time.”
“Focus on protecting yourself and society”
Like Cascada’s Natalie Horler and Hollywood’s Tom Hanks before her, Jaguar has been encouraging fans to socially isolate — to protect themselves and those around them.
In a follow-up Insta post on Wednesday, she thanked her fans: “Thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to send me their speedy recovery wishes, I really appreciate it.”
But she made sure to remind people of a hard truth: That everyone should practice social distancing even if they think they’re free of the virus.
“I followed everything by the book to protect myself and I still caught it. If you have symptoms, please monitor your health. If you don’t have symptoms, but are concerned, then THIS IS WHY PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING IS IMPORTANT.”
It’s a timely message in Australia. Last Friday the world was shocked to see hundreds of sun-worshipers gathered on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach. That was despite warnings from the government that people should avoid crowds and practice social distancing. It’s now known that “several” backpackers in the Bondi Beach area have tested positive, potentially spreading it to many others.
Jaguar also pleaded with her followers to keep an open mind and not shift blame to anyone who has contracted the virus. Even those following all the pre-cautions can come into contact with it.
“I understand that we can feel panic in this pandemic but think twice before sending loaded, blame-shifting questions and messages. I might’ve been confirmed before you, but I could’ve just as easily gotten it from you.”
“Fear should translate to diligence rather than prejudice. Focus on protecting yourself and society.”
We’re sending Jaguar Jonze love and positive vibes as she recovers. She’s a strong woman and we know that she will push through.
This virus is creating the same effect on society like it did with AIDS. Infected people are treated like they’re the outcast. I wish Jaguar and everyone sick from Covid-19 to get well soon.
Hope she recovers quickly! <3