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'Thought I was going to die': Aussie star slams 'pathetic' virus measures

Liz Cambage, pictured here in hospital in China.
Liz Cambage has elaborated on claims she contracted coronavirus in December. Image: Instagram

Liz Cambage has elaborated on claims she contracted coronavirus way back in December, taking a swipe at the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the virus in the process.

Earlier this month the Aussie basketball star said she had coronavirus “before it was a global thing”.

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In an interview with the Herald Sun, Cambage claimed to have survived the virus while playing in China in December.

“I was so weak, I couldn’t walk, I was in a wheelchair. I had pneumonia. I actually was sick in hospital and I honestly think I had corona,” she said.

Cambage previously tested negative for coronavirus, but on Tuesday she further detailed her ordeal.

“I’m posting this as a reminder as why we need to take social distancing and the government’s pathetic attempt at a lockdown so seriously,” Cambage wrote on Instagram alongside photos of her in hospital.

“Before Christmas last year while I was playing basketball in China, I thought I was coming down with the flu again. It started with body aches and coughing up a little phlegm which then turned in to a fever and sweating within 24 hours.

Liz Cambage, pictured here in action for Australia against Puerto during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Liz Cambage in action for Australia against Puerto during the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament. (Photo by GUILLAUME SOUVANT/AFP via Getty Images)

“Day 2 I was so weak I couldn’t walk and I fainted in an airport. Day 3 - 7 I spent in a wheelchair going to and from hospital.

“I remember crying screaming (lol dramatic) to mum on the phone that I had some f***ked up bird or swine flu, and that she would end up spending Christmas flying to China to collect my body bag.

“I honestly thought I was going to die. Even though the doctors told me I had a “viral infection” and couldn’t/wouldn’t tell me more, I clearly got hit with a severe case of covid.

“It took me until the end of January to have phlegm free lungs.”

The Aussie Opals star finished off by sending a warning to her fellow Australians.

“The thought of passing this virus on to someone with a low immune system is terrifying,” she wrote.

“You might be young and healthy and not scared of getting the virus, but the fact that you can pass this on with no symptoms is what we need to focus on.

“Please everyone stay inside!!! Wash your hands and take care.”

Cambage’s Olympic dreams put on hold

Cambage was set to represent Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but will now have to wait until 2021.

Japan and the Olympics movement have decided to delay the Games as the coronavirus crisis obliterated the world's last major imminent sporting event.

It’s the first time in the Olympics' 124-year history that they’ve been postponed, though they were cancelled outright several times during the two 20th century World Wars.

After a call with International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the July 24-August 9 event would be rescheduled for the summer of 2021 at the latest as proof of victory over the coronavirus.

“We asked President Bach to consider postponement of about one year to make it possible for athletes to play in the best condition, and to make the event a safe and secure one for spectators,” Abe said.

“President Bach said he is in agreement 100 per cent.”

with AAP