By Cole Emery —

The University of Louisville decided to temporarily suspend workouts for the men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey and volleyball teams due to multiple positive COVID-19 tests. U of L discovered through contact tracing the source of the rise in cases to be from an off-campus party that occurred on Aug. 1.

“It goes without saying that I’m incredibly disappointed and frustrated today with what’s occurred,” Director of Athletics Vince Tyra said. “We’ve noted from the very beginning that we have a strong commitment from our medical and administrative staff in the athletic department that we expect to be met with the same commitment from our student athletes and unfortunately we’ve had a failure in the recent week to do so.”

Tyra reported that there were eight positive COVID-19 tests among the four sports teams on Aug. 3. By Aug. 5, that number rose to 29. While in many of the cases, the athlete remained asymptomatic, some reported having headaches and fevers.

Since all student athletes tested for COVID-19 daily, the student athletes who tested negative and not identified through contact tracing will be allowed to return to on-campus workouts on Monday, Aug. 10. 

When asked if the school would consider punishing players in the future for disobeying COVID-19 safety protocols, Tyra said, “I think the answer is yes.”

Football workouts and activities have not been suspended since no football players have been identified to be at the party through contract tracing.

Graphic by Shayla Kerr// The Louisville Cardinal