Appalachian State suspends football practices after cluster of COVID-19 cases
A COVID-19 outbreak in Appalachian State’s football program has shut down practices for the Mountaineers.
Appalachian State reported a cluster of cases — seven students and four staff — associated with the football program. After consulting with the school’s health system and chancellor Sheri Everts, athletic director Doug Gillin announced in a press release Tuesday night that the school suspended practice indefinitely.
AppHealthCare has contacted the involved students and staff, and instructed them to recover in isolation. Public health staff have identified close contacts with the infected individuals, instructing them to quarantine and providing access to COVID tests.
Appalachian State is expected to have another strong season after going 13-1 last season and winning the Sun Belt championship. The Mountaineers are scheduled to open against Charlotte in Boone on Sept. 12, in a game scheduled in the last two weeks. Appalachian State lost several non-conference games off its 2020 schedule, including a road game at Wake Forest.
This story was originally published August 18, 2020 at 10:21 PM with the headline "Appalachian State suspends football practices after cluster of COVID-19 cases."
