Five COVID-19 cases were identified from a pool of more than 2,300 tests completed ahead of March Madness, the NCAA announced Tuesday.
The testing pool encompasses players, coaches, other members of team travel parties, and officials (Tier 1); NCAA staff and committee members (Tier 2); and event staff with close proximity with Tier 2 personnel (Tier 3).
It's unclear which programs, if any, are affected. At least one positive test result belongs to a game official, whose close contact with several colleagues means an additional five referees can't work for the duration of the tournament.
Virginia is the lone team from the field of 68 that has yet to arrive in Indianapolis. However, the Cavaliers are expected to complete testing protocols ahead of their first-round matchup against 13th-seeded Ohio on Saturday.
The Cavaliers were forced to withdraw from the ACC Tournament last week due to a positive test.
