Penn State stops workouts for 'several' sports programs because of positive covid-19 tests

Penn State has shut down sports activities for “several” of its athletic programs after an influx of positive tests for coronavirus.

The school reported 48 positive results out of 920 tests given to athletes from Aug. 31 through Sept. 4, a 5% positivity rate.

As a result, the university said in a press release Wednesday that it has paused team activities for several of its programs “out of an abundance of caution” and implemented quarantine protocols. Penn State did not specify which sports were affected.

The release said contact tracing is being conducted and “there is no evidence to suggest covid-19 was transmitted during practice or training activities.”

On Tuesday, Penn State reported 205 new cases among students, and president Eric Barron issued a statement saying he was concerned with the numbers and was monitoring the situation before determining whether the school would move to online instruction.

The Big Ten announced last month the postponement of fall sports, but athletes have continued to participate in team workouts.