KU tested 196 in football program for COVID-19; the numbers are encouraging so far
After extensive testing, Kansas had one football player out of 86 test positive for COVID-19, while one more tested positive for the antibodies, KU’s athletic department announced in a release Saturday.
The number, considering outbreaks at other schools in recent days, has to be considered encouraging to this point. KU reported that all 86 football players had received a swab test for coronavirus along with an antibody blood test. Also, 110 staff members — including coaches and support staff — had received a COVID-19 swab test; none of the staff members tested positive for coronavirus.
KU said that the football player that tested positive for COVID-19 had shown no symptoms before returning to Lawrence, though he was now self-isolating and being monitored by medical professionals.
“Our staff and doctors have been prepared for the inevitable situation where a student-athlete received a positive COVID-19 test and immediately followed the plans and policies prepared by Kansas Team Health,” KU athletic director Jeff Long said. “Our student-athlete is being cared for and provided necessary items should he develop symptoms.”
The football player who had a positive test for antibodies was unaware of previously contracting coronavirus, KU said. He will be receiving additional evaluation as a result of that test.
KU’s early results are promising — at this stage, at least — considering some of the other outbreaks reported across the country. Kansas State announced Saturday that it was shutting down voluntary workouts after having 14 positive cases, while an ESPN report said Clemson’s football team had 23 positives.
Long, in the release, lauded KU Athletics’ recently formed relationship with Kansas Team Health, saying the medical advice and recommendations from The University of Kansas Health System and LMH Health in Lawrence “has been a tremendous benefit for our student-athletes, coaches and staff.” Kansas Team Health’s seven-page re-entry plan for KU athletes includes guidelines for returning to campus, testing, isolation and contact tracing.
“While we can be almost certain there will be additional positive tests,” Long said, “we are committed to properly handling each individual with the highest medical care and doing our part to mitigate the spread.”
This story was originally published June 20, 2020 at 5:05 PM.
