UofL pauses 4 sports after dozens of athletes get COVID-19 linked to off-campus party
The University of Louisville is temporarily stopping workouts for four fall sports after several student athletes tested positive for the coronavirus.
Officials in the athletics department said they are suspending workouts for men's and women's soccer, field hockey and volleyball for the next week after it was found that 29 athletes total had contracted COVID-19.
UofL Vice President/Director of Athletics Vince Tyra said eight cases were discovered Monday, and by Wednesday, that number had increased to 29.
He said most of the cases were asymptomatic, but said there were some who had aches and fevers.
The university said it conducted contact tracing and found the primary source of the spread was an off-campus party Saturday night.
"I'm incredibly frustrated and disappointed,” Tyra said.
Activities were suspended Monday. Team members from the four sports programs who have not tested positive or been identified through contact tracing may be permitted to return to workouts on campus beginning Monday, Aug. 10.
"Though all student-athletes have been well-educated about the dangers of social gatherings to themselves and to others, UofL leaders have again reinforced the necessity to adhere to state, local, and Center for Disease Control (CDC) medical guidelines and procedures for the health and safety of all," Kenny Klein, senior associate athletic director/sports information director, said.
This has had no affect on football at this point, Tyra said.