Rapper and former Kanye West collaborator YNW Melly is currently awaiting trial in a Florida jail, and after news broke recently that he had contracted coronavirus behind bars, details have now surfaced about how he is being treated.

After testing positive for coronavirus earlier this month, YNW Melly filed for a restricted release amid the COVID-19 crisis, but as yet he remains behind bars.

According to TMZ, the rapper is still suffering from symptoms of the virus, including “labored breathing, body aches and headaches” and “a high temperature and chills, particularly at night”.

TMZ also claims that Melly is being treated for COVID-19 with sports drink Gatorade and Tylenol, which is basically just panadol.

The local Sheriff’s Office at Broward County said that inmates showing “acute” coronavirus symptoms will be transferred to hospital, but that doesn’t seem to cover Melly at this stage.

Over the weekend Melly appeared to reach out to former collaborator West for help, via Twitter.

Melly pleaded not guilty to a double murder last year, after being charged with involvement of the fatal shootings of his two close friends Christopher “Juvy” Thomas Jr. and Anthony “Sak” Williams.

The State of Florida is seeking the death penalty against Melly.

Several other incarcerated musicians have filed for restricted release as well, with mixed results. Tekashi 6ix9ine was granted early release from prison due to COVID-19 concerns, with musician having a history of being hospitalised for asthma.

After first filing for release in late March citing age and “existing health issues” without success, R. Kelly has asked to be released again with his lawyers arguing it’s an “absolute probability” he “will be infected with this deadly disease”.

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