Six of 106 Kentucky football players test positive for past COVID-19 infections
Six University of Kentucky football players tested positive for past COVID-19 infections as part of the school’s initial screenings for return to activity, according to a news release from the school.
A final group of football players arrived on campus Monday and went through the initial screening process, which included antibody testing but no specific test for active COVID-19. A total of 106 players went through the screening since phased returns began on June 8; the six individuals who tested positive were evaluated further and cleared to participate in voluntary workouts.
Since workouts began only one player has received a specific test for COVID-19, because he came into contact with an infected individual who was not a UK athlete. That player tested negative but is currently in isolation in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Two groups of volleyball players underwent initial screening last week and were cleared for workouts on Monday. The initial screening for men’s basketball players begins June 28 and activities are scheduled to begin for them later that week.
Women’s basketball, men’s soccer and women’s soccer players are scheduled to return to activity in July.
UK outlined its return-to-activity procedures earlier this month. A university spokesperson over the weekend explained why the school, for now, isn’t testing for active COVID-19 infections unless a player shows symptoms or is known to have been in contact with a person who’s tested positive.
“Our current protocol was developed specifically for this step of the process,” Guy Ramsey, UK’s director of strategic communication, wrote in an email to the Herald-Leader. “In this step of voluntary workouts, we are able to institute and monitor safety measures like social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment.
“There are limitations to diagnostic testing, including a relatively high rate of false negatives in asymptomatic patients. Additionally, diagnostic testing only gives a result for that specific point in time. That is, an individual could test negative one day and positive a day or two later.”
This story was originally published June 22, 2020 at 11:53 AM.
