Karl-Anthony Towns reveals mother in medically induced coma with COVID-19

Karl-Anthony Towns revealed in an Instagram video Tuesday night that his mother is in a medically induced coma after being hospitalized with COVID-19.

The Minnesota Timberwolves star shared the news in hopes that his story can help the public further understand the need to take precautions to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Both of Towns' parents were evaluated in hospital after experiencing symptoms. His father, who tested positive for the virus, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews, was released to enter into mandated quarantine at home, while his mother was kept for treatment as her condition worsened.

Towns says he made the video "so that people would understand that the severity of this disease is real." He adds, "This disease needs to not be taken lightly. Please protect your families, your loved ones, your friends, yourself. Practice social distancing, please don't be in places with a lot of people ... This disease is deadly.

"Dominican women are strong. I know they are. My mother is the strongest woman I know, and I know she'll beat this. We're going to rejoice when she does," Towns added.

The Timberwolves released a statement supporting Towns' mother Wednesday afternoon, saying "Jackie is a part of our extended family and we, along with the rest of the NBA and its fans, will fight this battle with the Towns family."