You can’t outrun the coronavirus.

Just ask Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man.

After celebrating his 34th birthday last Friday with a big, mask-free throwdown in his native Jamaica, the world-record sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist tested positive for the coronavirus. He is now in self-quarantine at his home.

So are others who attended his party, including Raheem Sterling, a professional soccer player and star for Manchester City and the England national team. Mr. Sterling, 25, was born in Jamaica and grew up in London.

“Best birthday ever,” Mr. Bolt posted on Instagram with a photo of himself holding his daughter, Olympia, who was born in May.

Then on Monday while awaiting his COVID-19 test results, he posted another photo of himself, this one lying in bed. He wrote: “Just to be safe, I quarantined myself and just taking it easy.”The photo also had this caption: “Stay safe my ppl,” with an emoji of praying hands.

Mr. Bolt retired from athletics in 2017.

Until a vaccine is found, masks and social distancing are the best protections available to people worldwide right now against the coronavirus.

We have seen the outbreaks in communities, on college campuses, in households and in churches when those guidelines aren’t followed.

Like a lightning bolt, COVID-19 can strike without regard for age, race, background, profession or wealth. And like a lightning bolt, its impact can be deadly.

Please, wear a mask and socially distance, no matter whether it’s your birthday, your first day back to school or you just need to get out of the house.

We have to keep ourselves and others healthy.