12 people in the University of Nebraska's men's basketball program have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
The University put out this statement, announcing a pause on all team-related activities.
"The University of Nebraska men’s basketball program will continue to pause team activities for a minimum of seven more days due to additional positive COVID-19 results among its Tier 1 personnel. Tier 1 personnel include student-athletes, coaches, and any staff member whose job requires close regular contact.
As of testing results through Saturday, Nebraska is in the Red/Red threshold in the Big Ten Conference guidelines for both Team Positivity Rate and Population Positivity Rate. Under those conditions, the team will extend its pause on regular practice and competition for a minimum of seven days.
Currently, a total of 12 individuals in the MBB program, including seven players and Head Coach Fred Hoiberg, are in isolation or quarantine due to positive test results per CDC, Big Ten, and Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department guidelines. Based on testing results through the latest round of testing, at least30 percent of Tier 1 personnel has been confirmed positive in the last seven days.
Due to the extension of the pause, the Huskers’ home game against Minnesota, which was initially scheduled for January 20th, and the contest at Iowa, which was initially scheduled for January 24th, has been postponed. The institutions will work with the Big Ten Conference to identify rescheduling options. At this time, no determination has been made on how the pause may impact scheduled games beyond January 24th.
We will also conduct all the necessary procedures included in the Big Ten Conference protocols. Consistent with all of our athletic programs, we report any positive test result to the University, and it is included in its daily reports to the Lancaster County Health Department."
In addition to the University's statement, NU Coach Fred Hoiberg also released a statement on the recent news.
“In challenging times like we are all experiencing, it reminds us what is truly important and that is our family and health. I, unfortunately, tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday. I immediately took direction from our medical staff when I found out and started self-isolating. I am experiencing symptoms, but my condition has improved over the last 24 hours. Our program has been hit hard over the last 10 days, and we are all trying to manage it and get through it. We are very fortunate to have a great medical team around us that is here to ensure the collective health and safety of our program. We have taken a pause from all basketball-related activities and will return only when it is absolutely safe to do so. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of social responsibility by wearing your mask and keeping proper social distance. Please stay safe and healthy.”
Both cases and deaths from COVID continue to recede, according to the New York Times COVID Case Map.
(Photo by WOWT 6 News)