EF football shut down due to potential COVID-19 exposure

By Jose Negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

While the Elizabeth Forward football team has shut down practices due to a possible exposure to COVID-19, players are expected to return to the field later this week. 

Superintendent Dr. Todd Keruskin said a high school student recently tested positive for the virus, and protocols from the Allegheny County Health Department are being followed. 

“There was a possible exposure, so all the parents and coaches that could have been exposed were contacted and we’re following a 14-day quarantine,” said Keruskin, adding that the quarantine period will conclude Friday. 

Heat acclimation practices are slated to begin today after the PIAA voted Friday to allow fall sports to go on as scheduled despite Gov. Tom Wolf’s recommendation to postpone all recreational and interscholastic sports until Jan. 1. 

EF won’t be able to start its heat practices until Friday and will have to continue them into next week. PIAA rules state teams must go through five straight days of heat practices before being allowed to work in full pads. 

EF’s football team isn’t the only local team to have practices shut down due to potential exposure to the coronavirus. 

Days after the Belle Vernon Area cheerleading squad and volleyball team canceled practice until Sept. 2, the girls soccer team also shut down practices, according to BVA Athletic Director Matt Humbert.