COVID-19 has reached Fresno State athletics.
The university announced Wednesday that the men’s basketball team has stopped all in-person activities for about two weeks after two players tested positive for coronavirus.
Fresno State released the following statement:
“In accordance with state and local public health department guidelines for Institutions of Higher Education, Fresno State Athletics have paused all in-person activities for men’s basketball for approximately two weeks as a precaution as two members of the program tested positive for COVID-19. At this time, the two individuals that tested positive are in isolation, and all others are quarantining in accordance with CDC and public health guidelines. The Fresno County Department of Public Health was notified immediately in accordance with established protocols.
“In partnership with Valley Children’s Healthcare, Fresno State Athletics tests all student-athletes, coaches and team personnel three times per week, and maintains the highest standards of cleaning at its facilities.
“In-person activities will resume once deemed safe and in consultation with team physicians and Fresno County public health officials. The health and safety of our student-athletes and our entire campus community continues to be our top priority.”
The men’s basketball program is the first team on campus to report a positive COVID-19 infection.
Football is the first program to have resumed competition, playing its first game last Saturday, but the team has yet to experience a positive COVID-19 case.
The Mountain West is currently requiring all student-athletes, coaches and support staff to undergo coronavirus testing three times a week as well as follow various health-safety guidelines, such as wearing masks and social distancing.
Men’s basketball is scheduled to begin conference play on Dec. 29 against Wyoming at the Save Mart Center – without any fans present – but the university expects to play several nonconference games before then.
Photo: Fresno State Athletics
