Central suspends football practice

Columbia Central High School has suspended football practice for the week after finding out an athlete has been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

Central football coach Jason Hoath and Maury County Public Schools athletic director Chris Poynter made the decision.

Hoath found out Saturday from a parent regarding an athlete had come into direct contact with someone that had COVID-19. Hoath canceled practice for Monday until results from the test were known. He said he found out Sunday night that the athlete in question had tested positive for the coronavirus.

This marks the final week of practice before the TSSAA's two-week dead period begins. During the dead period, coaches cannot have interactions with athletes and facilities are closed. Columbia decided to cancel practice until they return from the dead period on July 6.

“The locker rooms and training facilities have been thoroughly cleaned and every effort has been taken to ensure the healthy and safety of student athletes,” Hoath said.

Hoath said by stopping practice now it gives more than the CDC recommended 1 days of quarantine by the CDC.

Hoath said other measures have taken place.

Students and staff who have had direct contact with the student will receive a call from Hoath on Monday.

All players and coaches have been asked to quarantine for 14 days per CDC recommendations.

Poynter said all other practices will continue, as the school district's guidelines for training have kept all teams returning to school apart. 

"We have parameters in place," Poynter told The Daily Herald.

He said the school district continues to reach out to the family.

Prior to the return to practice on July 5, all students and coaches will be required to be tested the week of June 29. If anyone has COVID-19 symptoms before then, they should get tested immediately.

COVID-19 tests will be done for free at the Maury County Health Department, 1909 Hampshire Pike, Columbia.