Celebrity3 min(s) read
Published 10:26 15 Mar 2020 GMT
Per the World Health Organisation's most recent situation report, there have been a total of 142,539 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus globally, and 5,393 deaths.
Now, MMA fighter Conor McGregor has taken to Instagram to share his powerful thoughts on the current COVID-19 global pandemic, as well as post a series of emotional tributes regarding the recent passing of his aunt (which he later revealed was not a result of the coronavirus).
Writing to his 35.6 million followers, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion showed appreciation for his home nation of Ireland, and detailed how the coronavirus crisis had made everyone - including himself - more aware of personal hygiene. He typed:
"Ireland you amazing, amazing country. I believe we have this virus contained. And through this containment, we actually may have gone and contained them all.
"The good habits we will have now gained from this wild [COVID-19] attack will see us too strong in [the] future.
"Hand hygiene. Touching of own face hygiene. Consistent thorough cleaning of handled areas hygiene. What we should really be all doing anyway. I have always been on with my hand hygiene. But not enough. If I think of all the people approaching to shake hands and [whatnot].
"I often get people say to me please I don’t want a picture, just let me shake your hand. And I’m like yes friend thank you. As it’s more efficient than taking a full picture. But it’s too careless. And too frequent. Touching my own hand to my face as well. Too unaware of the frequency I’d do it. Until now.
"I’d train my ass off, to the point of low immunity. It’s inevitable with the intensity of the training. The immune system will be tested. I would float around in this manner, and always end up catching little colds and flus. I feel [bulletproof] right now though! I’m switched on like a motherf**ker now.
"Stay vigilant on our personal hygiene people. And our personal space.
"God speed to us all [...] We are not there yet but we are well on our way. On our way in a big way! To the people of the world. We will do this! We are doing this! It’s done. We did it. Congratulations! Oh And it’s [summertime] now too. Wow! Oh and Who am I fighting. [sic]"
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/B9sUSN1pMs0/]]
McGregor, 31, then added that prior to appearing live on US morning talk shows from Dublin, he had received a phone call informing him that his auntie Anne had passed away.
Revealing that he had swiftly canceled his TV appearances, McGregor then went on an impassioned rant regarding the current global pandemic. He typed:
"These photos are from a few days ago at a studio in Dublin’s City centre. I was to announce to the world my @properwhiskey donation to @Tunnel2Towers. A great day! A proud day, I brought my family with me to the studio.
"Sitting in the chair about to beam live to all the U.S morning talk shows, I get a phone call telling me that my lovely little auntie Anne had passed away. I couldn’t go live anymore. My poor little friendly loving auntie. My mother’s sister. This stupid f**king virus. What the f**k is happening. I took my family to bull island. Looked out at the sea. Took a deep breath. Thank f**k! Lord thank you.
Stay tight people! We are all we got [...] Rest in Peace Anne Moore I love you".
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/B9uaeXvpj24/]]
In a follow-up post, McGregor not only thanked his fans for their support during this difficult time, but also stated that it had been confirmed that his aunt did not die as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The former champion wrote:
"I am grateful for the kind wishes and sympathy for my Auntie’s passing. I want to clear up that it has been confirmed she was not a victim of coronavirus.
"As we prepare for her funeral I know that many of us will confront the virus in the weeks ahead. As I gather with my family I ask you all to make an extra effort to be there for friends and family during the stressful days ahead.
"And from my family, thank you for your support at this sad time."
Our best wishes go out to McGregor and his family at this difficult time.
