Ohio State closed its athletic administrative offices and will pause football workouts due to another increase in COVID-19 cases.
The Buckeyes are shutting down as the men’s and women’s basketball teams head for the Big Ten tournament.
Following PCR testing Monday, athletics director Gene Smith and head team physician Dr. Jim Borchers said in a joint statement the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution.”
Spring football practice is scheduled to begin March 19.
“Our decisions on the welfare of our student-athletes, staff members and those coming to our campus, and our determination as to when we will reopen and resume activities, will continue to be guided by our medical staff,” Smith said in a statement.
“We have been successful in safely hosting nearly 100 athletic events on campus this year with limited disruptions, but this pandemic is not over. We will continue to stress the safety measures of wearing masks, consistent and thorough hand washing and physical distancing and we will remain vigilant in those areas.”
Ohio State has wrestled with outbreaks of the coronavirus in multiple sports. The football team issues included a positive test for head coach Ryan Day during the abbreviated 2020 season. The Buckeyes were also without key players during the postseason.
