ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football will hold all team activities virtually for the second straight day Tuesday out of an “abundance of caution” regarding possible COVID-19 concerns.
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“Out of an abundance of caution, we will again hold all team activities in a virtual format today,” David Ablauf, associate athletic director for football communications, said in a statement. “We will continue to follow the prevention protocols and recommendations of our medical professionals and the health department, and do everything to keep our focus on protecting the health, safety and welfare of our student-athletes and staff.”
The Wolverines made it through six of their eight regular season games without any widespread COVID-19 outbreaks. Just two days after hosting Penn State at Michigan Stadium, the team announced all activities would be held virtually.
Jim Harbaugh’s team has lost four of five games since opening the season with a win at Minnesota, most recently falling to the 0-5 Nittany Lions.
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Per Big Ten rules, any player who tests positive for COVID-19 cannot return to game action for 21 days -- 14 for the virus and an additional week for cardiac testing.
Last week, Ohio State was forced to cancel its game against Illinois due to positive tests. Wisconsin and Maryland have also dealt with outbreaks that forced cancellations. The issue has affected college football around the country.
Michigan is scheduled to host Maryland this weekend in the final game at the Big House. A trip to Ohio State is scheduled for the following week, and then one final game against a team from the Big Ten West.
It’s unclear if the team will have to miss any games, or how long the shutdown will last.