Coronavirus: Olympic sprint great Usain Bolt quarantining, but denies reports he has COVID-19

Olympic sprint great Usain Bolt is in self-imposed quarantine and awaiting results of a COVID-19 test.

Reports suggested the eight-time Olympic gold medallist had tested positive for coronavirus, days after hosting a lavish 34th birthday party in Jamaica, where the guests included West Indian cricketing great Chris Gayle, and football stars Raheem Sterling and Leon Bailey.

But Bolt has taken to social media to clear things up, stating he has no symptoms, but is being cautious.

"Social media says that I am confirmed COVID-19," Bolt tweets. "Did a test on Saturday, trying to be responsible, stay in and stay away from my friends. 

"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."

Videos from his birthday bash show no signs of social distancing at the event.

Next day, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued an urgent message for citizens to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 after a recent surge in positive tests.

"There is a need for consciousness - for conscious personal responsibility on the part of every citizen," he said.

Jamaica has recorded 1413 positive tests for coronavirus and 16 deaths, but infection rates have increased recently, with 267 positive tests in the last four days.

Jamaica has implemented an overnight curfew from 11pm-5am and prohibited gatherings of more than 20 people.