Last week I tested positive for COVID-19 and I want to share my experience with you. As our country grapples with the ongoing pandemic, understanding what we're dealing with is paramount.

I spoke with the Washington Post about what it’s been like living with my diagnosis. If you’re interested, click here to read about it.

Several days ago, my chief of staff began experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. When his condition worsened, he visited his doctor to find out what was going on. After being tested, he was subsequently diagnosed.

That sequence of events ultimately led to me getting tested, too. I immediately self-isolated once I got my positive result back and instructed my staff to do the same. Although I'm largely asymptomatic, I’ll be staying put in my South Bronx apartment for the next couple weeks - because following public health guidance from experts will be critical in this battle.

Social distancing is the key to beating COVID-19 - and it’s also a mindset. Act as if you're carrying the virus and then avoid spreading it by staying home. None of us are immune (yet) from COVID-19. We can all catch it. We can all spread it. We're all in this together.

John: No one should be outside playing basketball or any other sport. No one should be hanging out in large groups. No one should ignore the warnings of health experts.

The best weapon we have against COVID-19 right now is social distancing. Please practice it for as long as we need to. Here are other precautions to take:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Avoid touching your face

For the latest information on the coronavirus, head over to the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

And for the latest local updates, please visit the New York State Department of Health’s COVID-19 website.

Finally, thank you for all the wonderful, heartfelt messages. They mean the world to me. We will get through this together, John. Please be safe and take the necessary measures to keep you and your family healthy.

Ritchie