Eight-time Olympic champion former sprinter Usain Bolt said on Monday that he is awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test that he underwent during the weekend and has gone into self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.

Bolt took to Twitter to post a clarification after speculations spread that he had tested positive after birthday celebrations on August 21 during which social distancing norms were reportedly not followed. 

In the video he said, “Social media says that I am confirmed COVID-19. Did a test on Saturday, trying to be responsible, stay in and stay away from my friends.”

He added, “Also I have no symptoms, so I am going to quarantine myself and wait on the confirmation to see what is the protocol from the Ministry of Health. Until I get a confirmation, I want to tell my friends just to be safe and just to take it easy.”

According to PTI reports, Bolt’s family and friends threw him a surprise party for his 34th birthday on August 21,  with Manchester City star Raheem Sterling and Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey in attendance. 

Bolt holds the world record in 100m and 200m events. He is an 11-time world champion, winning consecutive gold medals in 100m, 200m and 4×100m relay events from 2009 to 2015. He retired from the track during the 2017 World Championships in London after suffering an injury in his final race.