Six people within athletic department at Florida Memorial test positive for COVID-19

Six people within the Florida Memorial University athletic department have tested positive for the coronavirus after a series of tests were administered last Wednesday, the school reported Monday.

“A total of 267 individual COVID-19 tests have been administered to student-athletes, coaches and staff during the return to campus,” the school reported on its athletic website. “Within this group, six individuals have tested positive.”

The individuals who tested positive have been quarantined. No hospitalizations have been required, and those who tested positive were “generally” asymptomatic, the report stated.

“Florida Memorial University is committed to the health and safety of its student-athletes, coaches and staff. The Department of Athletics and sports medicine staff have followed strict protocols and testing procedures developed in consultation with campus and community partners, including Memorial Sports Medicine Center. Guidance from national and state health officials, along with the NAIA, Sun Conference and the Mid-South Conference, was also incorporated. These protocols relate to testing procedures, quarantining and isolation, daily screenings, facility access and cleaning, and workout procedures, all of which have contributed to the low positivity rate,” the school stated.

Monday was the start of the first full day of practice for the football team.

FMU announced last year its plans to return football to the Miami Gardens campus for the first time in 61 years.

The football team is scheduled to begin the season on Sept. 12 against Keiser University.