Jumbo Visma team manager Richard Plug revealed that he was hospitalized last month after contracting COVID-19. In a post on his LinkedIn page, the Dutchman said he was hospitalized six weeks ago and treated for two weeks before being released.

Prag is the latest of many professional riders and staff to be treated for COVID-19. The previous positives were from the UAE Tour (open in new tab), where Fernando Gaviria and Max Richeze of UAE Team Emirates and Igor Boev and Dmitry Strakhov of Gazprom Rusvelo were infected with the coronavirus.

"Over six weeks ago I was hospitalized with corona. 'It was an incredibly difficult two weeks, with high fever and anxiety. Thanks to the generous care of the medical staff, I was able to pull through.

"Despite having left home nearly five weeks ago, I am still recovering. What I saw and experienced in the hospital was shocking. The pressure, the unknown, the difficult situations. I salute all medical professionals.

"Please, for your own sake, for the sake of society, and for the sake of your loved ones, maintain self-control and live with the measures for as long as you need to."

The Netherlands is currently under the same blockade as many European countries (although lighter than countries like Italy and Spain). This week the Dutch government announced that elementary schools will reopen in early May and that people can still cycle outdoors.

Jumbo-Visma was one of the first teams to act as COVID-19 spread across Europe, pulling out of Strade Bianche and Paris-Nice before the race was canceled and shortened, respectively.

Pragge said the team was looking forward to returning to the race at any time, but only if safety could be guaranteed.

"As for Pro Cycling and Team Jumbo-Visma, they are really looking forward to getting back to racing as soon as possible.

"However, this should be done in a safe manner and with the consent of the respective governments, while protecting the health and safety of the riders, teams and organizers first and foremost.

"With good planning, scenarios, testing, quarantine, etc. it may be possible. I hope so. If the race can be done, then the situation in Corona is under control or gone. That's good news for all of us.

"On the other hand, I can say this because I've been there. It's a very nasty and serious disease. So, be safe and stay home as much as possible. Be careful."