Ohio State pauses football activities due to increase in COVID-19 cases
Ohio State paused all football-related activities and closed its athletic administration offices for one week following an increase in positive COVID-19 cases, according to ESPN's March Schlabach.
Athletic director Gene Smith and head team physician Jim Borchers made the decision after receiving the latest round of PCR testing results.
"Our decisions on the welfare of our student-athletes, staff members, and those coming to our campus, and our determination as to when we will reopen and resume activities, will continue to be guided by our medical staff," Smith said in a statement.
It's unclear how many positive cases there are within the football program.
Ohio State previously suspended team activities in November due to a COVID-19 outbreak. The decision led to the team canceling its game against Illinois.
The Buckeyes continued to be hampered by the virus en route to their fourth consecutive Big Ten title and a trip to the national championship game.
"We have been successful in safely hosting nearly 100 athletic events on campus this year with limited disruptions, but this pandemic is not over," Smith added. "We will continue to stress the safety measures of wearing masks, consistent and thorough hand-washing, and physical distancing, and we will remain vigilant in those areas."
The Buckeyes are scheduled to begin spring practice March 19. Their annual spring game is set for April 17.