Michigan Athletics will be launching a new digital ticketing service for the upcoming season.

ANN ARBOR – The Washtenaw County Health Department announced on Friday that a total of 23 cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 have been identified to date in Washtenaw County, and all of the cases share a common link: they are associated with the University of Michigan community. AdUniversity officials announced this week that U-M cases currently account for one-third of all coronavirus cases in Washtenaw County. Since the variant was identified in the area, the Health Department and local partners have been testing residents at no cost. “We remain concerned about the identification of the B.1.1.7 variant locally,” Juan Luis Marquez, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department said in a statement. AdThe Washtenaw County Health Department recommends that all residents practice the following strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19 and the B.1.1.7 variant:

ANN ARBOR – Cases of COVID-19 have increased at the University of Michigan, now making up for 34% of total cases in Washtenaw County, university officials reported on Tuesday. The recommendation was urged by the Washtenaw County Health Department as several new cases of the new, highly contagious B117 COVID-19 variant were reported on campus. AdRead: University of Michigan students asked to stay home to curb virus spreadThe number of residences placed under quarantine has doubled since Saturday due to new positive cases and potential exposures. Read: University of Michigan identifies virus outbreaks at off-campus housesAccording to U-M’s COVID Dashboard, the university has reported 438 positive cases in the past 14 days, and 36,065 tests had been administered in the same time period. According to preliminary data, the positivity rate jumped the week starting Jan. 31 to 14.3%, compared to 1.3% the week prior.

ANN ARBOR – A coalition of student athletes at the University of Michigan are calling for the 14 day shutdown of athletics to be lifted. Now, student athletes are speaking out and have launched a petition to MDHHS to resume practices and competitions. We trust the guidance and leadership of those in charge of the health and safety of Michigan student-athletes. Given the University’s knowledge of the situation surrounding the athletic department, should a total shutdown have been necessary, it should have come from the University of Michigan leaders. The student-athletes at the University of Michigan stand united in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping every member of our community safe.

ANN ARBOR – Joseph “Joe” Roberson, the University of Michigan athletic director who served during the football team’s national championship season in 1997, died Monday, school officials said. Roberson was Michigan’s athletic director from 1994-97, hiring football coach Lloyd Carr in 1995. On the main Ann Arbor campus, he also served as head of corporate fundraising and associate vice president. Roberson also hired Warde Manuel, who rose to become athletic director. Roberson, who received his undergraduate degree from Michigan’s Flint campus and his master’s and doctorate degrees in Ann Arbor, also was an athlete.