COLUMBUS, Ohio — Just as the Ohio State Buckeyes were gearing up for spring practice on March 19, administrative officials have put a pause on all football-related activites, citing a spike in COVID-19 cases.
“Our decisions on the welfare of our student-athletes, staff members and those coming to our campus, and our determination as to when we will reopen and resume activities, will continue to be guided by our medical staff,” athletics director Gene Smith said in a statement Tuesday. The decision came as a result of PCR testing.
All team activities have been delayed for one week, and the school closed the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Over the last seven days, the school reported 174 cases, 95 students are in isolation and 70 others are in quarantine. OSU also reported its third-highest peak in cases this week, with one day hitting 66 positive cases.
“We have been successful in safely hosting nearly 100 athletic events on campus this year with limited disruptions, but this pandemic is not over. We will continue to stress the safety measures of wearing masks, consistent and thorough hand washing and physical distancing and we will remain vigilant in those areas,” Smith said.
As of Monday, the team is on track to start spring practice and host a game on April 17. It’s unknown whether fans will be allowed inside the stadium.
