Ohio State has halted all football-related activities and closed its athletics administrative offices for a week following an increase in positive coronavirus tests, the university said in a statement on Tuesday. .
The Buckeyes said the decision to stop football activities and close the Woody Hayes Athletic Center offices was made jointly by athletics director Gene Smith and senior team doctor Dr. Jim Borchers, “with great caution and with the health, safety and well-being of student-athletes, coaches and football support staff and facilities as a top priority.”
The decision was made after a round of PCR testing on Monday.
“Our decisions about the well-being of our student-athletes, staff members and those who come to our campus, and our determination of when we will reopen and resume activities, will continue to be guided by our medical staff,” Smith said. in a statement. .
“This year we have been successful in organizing almost 100 athletic events on campus with limited interruptions, but this pandemic is not over. We will continue to insist on safety measures for the use of masks, consistent and thorough hand washing and the physical distancing, and we will be vigilant in these areas. “
The Buckeyes are scheduled to begin spring practice on March 19th.