The state of Ohio has halted all football-related activities and closed its athletics administration offices for one week after an increase in positive tests for the coronavirus, the university said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Buckeyes said the decision to suspend football activities and close the Woody Hayes Athletic Center offices was made jointly by athletics director Gene Smith and dr. Jim Borchers, chief team doctor, taken out of an abundance of caution and with the health, safety and well-being of the student-athletes, coaches and support staff for football and facilities as the highest priority. “
The decision was made Monday after a round of PCR testing.
“Our decisions about the well-being of our athletes, staff and those who come to our campus, and our determination of when we will resume and resume our activities, will continue to be guided by our medical staff,” Smith said in a statement. said. .
“We have managed to provide nearly 100 athletic events safely with limited interruptions this year, but this pandemic is not over yet. We will continue to emphasize the safety precautions of wearing masks, consistent and thorough hand washing and physical distance. vigilant in those areas. ‘
The Buckeyes will practice on March 19 with the spring.