Iowa Reports One Positive COVID-19 Test Last Week

26 positives have been reported within athletic department since reopening.

Iowa had just one positive COVID-19 test among 70 conducted within the athletic department last week, the university announced Monday.

A total of 26 positive tests have been reported among the 513 taken (5.1%) within the athletes, coaches and staff members tested.

Testing began in late May as part of the athletic department's reopening after everything was shut down in mid-March because of the pandemic. Iowa began voluntary workouts for football on June 8, with men's and women's basketball players beginning workouts on June 15.

If there is a positive test result, the protocol includes contact tracing procedures, isolation for the individuals who test positive, and quarantine for those individuals who might have been exposed to someone with the virus.

The Big Ten has announced that it would be going to conference-only events for the fall sports season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A statement from the Big Ten said that by limiting itself to league games only, "the Conference will have the greatest flexibility to adjust its own operations throughout the season and make quick decisions in real-time based on the most current evolving medical advice and the fluid nature of the pandemic."

“We fully support the actions being taken by the Big Ten Conference, knowing that the health, safety, and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff is the top priority," Iowa athletics director Gary Barta said in a statement. "The past few months have entailed numerous conversations between my conference colleagues, Commissioner Warren and our Big Ten presidents, as we have worked to navigate the challenges associated with this pandemic.

"The uncertainties have been difficult on our student-athletes and coaches and I appreciate their continued understanding of the situation. I am grateful for our fans who are also waiting for direction. While many uncertainties still exist, today’s decision will provide the greatest amount of flexibility as we move forward.”

The Big Ten also announced that summer athletic activities will continue to be voluntary in all sports that are allowed to have workouts.