Michigan State University said Friday that all members of its soccer team will be quarantined or isolated after another staff member and an athlete tested positive for Covid-19.
The team had already paused training once after a staff member tested positive on Wednesday. The athletic department said Friday that tests conducted over the past week included a second staff member and an athlete who tested positive.
“As part of the athletic department’s return policy to campus, student athletes are quarantined when they come into close contact with a person who tests positive for COVID-19,” the school said in a statement. “The university has designated available areas to house quarantined individuals as needed based on the living arrangements for student athletes.”
All members of the soccer team will be quarantined or isolated while awaiting the completion of a 14-day quarantine, the athletics department.
The athletes’ surveillance tests were completed on Wednesday and will be repeated before they are cleared to return to training.
The previous Friday, the high-ranking offensive lineman shared his concerns about the team’s continued practice amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, tweeting: “The boys are testing positive across the country, from left to right … why why is there still discussion about a season? Why does it take so long to make a logical decision? Hmm let me guess INCOME #NCAA # B1G10 “
The boys are testing positive across the country, from left to right … why is there still discussion about one season? Why does it take so long to make a logical decision? Hmm let me guess INCOME #NCAA # B1G10
– J.Reid (@ jordanreid58) July 24, 2020
The announcement came when the state health department reported 594 new confirmed virus cases and three additional deaths. About 3.7% of tests have been positive this week through Thursday.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer extended the ban on family visits to nursing homes and group care facilities until August 31. There is an exception for people who want to see someone in serious or critical condition or in hospice care. Whitmer’s office announced an extension of her previous order Thursday night.
The facilities must make “best efforts” to help residents communicate with people by phone or electronic devices, Whitmer said.
Some people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities have only seen visitors through a window.
“We must remain vigilant in our fight against Covid-19 and protect our most vulnerable citizens from the spread of this virus. … I know that older people and their families are making sacrifices every day during this crisis, “said Whitmer.
