The UTRGV Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has paused team-related activities for men’s basketball and women’s volleyball due to positive tests of COVID-19.
In an exclusive statement sent to Vaquero Radio, UTRGV Athletics Spokesman Jonah Goldberg said the department has completed contact tracing and is currently following isolation protocols for both programs.
UTRGV Athletics did not state the number of student-athletes, coaches or staff who tested positive or how long the isolation period will be.
“We are aggressively testing our student-athletes based on NCAA surveillance guidelines, which includes weekly testing that adheres to the NCAA’s 50% surveillance testing guidelines,” the statement reads. “This allows us to learn about positive cases and act quickly to isolate and stop the spread. All of our efforts are being conducted in tandem with the campus COVID-19 Task Force.”
According to the statement, student-athletes are required to follow all university COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing face coverings that cover mouth and nose and practicing proper social distancing when not participating in practices or competitions.
This news comes after a source confirmed to Vaquero Radio of positive COVID-19 cases within the athletics department.
Vaquero Radio contacted Goldberg for an interview with UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque but was sent the statement instead.
“We are focused on keeping the campus community and our student-athletes, coaches and staff safe while at the same time giving our student-athletes an opportunity to compete for NCAA championships,” the statement reads.
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