Serra Catholic High School football players are prohibited from practicing or playing games for at least the next two weeks in an attempt to thwart a possible spread of covid-19.
More than 40 student athletes and football staff are under quarantine because a person involved with the team has tested positive for covid-19, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh announced Sunday night.
The McKeesport school also will be closed Monday, according to diocesan spokesman Bob DeWitt.
Officials did not specify whether the infected person was a player, staffer or other type of person involved with the team.
“The person who tested positive for the virus is following all health guidelines, and fortunately, is experiencing only mild symptoms,” DeWitt said in a statement. “Students deemed to have been within close contact with a person who has tested positive are notified individually and according to health directives, are required to quarantine.”
The diocese says it is taking steps in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Allegheny County Health Department.
The school’s principal, Tim Chirdon, credited staff and family members with doing “an exceptional job with efforts to ensure the health and safety of everyone in our school community.”
“I am proud that we have consistently exceeded the standard practices established by various health organizations, and that we are well prepared to handle a situation like this,” Chirdon said.
The quarantine and suspended football season will continue for at least 14 days, or until Oct. 25.
The school will continue to keep parents and caregivers updated directly on any further developments, DeWitt said.
The suspension of their football season comes as the Serra Catholic Eagles boast an undefeated record of 4-0.
The team won their homecoming game on Friday.
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