FBS program suspends voluntary workouts due to positive coronavirus tests
After the spring sports shutdown, voluntary workouts were the first step toward the return of college sports, including football. Now, one Group of 5 program is suspending workouts again.
The University of Houston Department of Athletics announced Friday that it is immediately suspending all voluntary workouts for student-athletes. Houston says the decision comes “out of an abundance of caution.” Houston details that the decision was made in consultation with internal and external medical experts and comes after 6 symptomatic UH student-athletes have tested positive for COVID-19. Houston’s announcement only uses the term “student-athletes,” not confirming if they were football players.
The university also notes the increase in the number of positive tests in the greater Houston area over the last week. Houston says the impacted students have been placed in isolation and contact tracing procedures have been initiated following protocol.
“During this pause in voluntary workouts, UH Athletics will continue its stringent cleaning and sanitization protocols in all facilities.”
Football players at multiple SEC programs have reportedly tested positive upon returning to campus.