NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As schools begin to reopen across the mid-state, in many counties that also means high school sports teams are beginning to start conditioning drills, even though some fall sports have been delayed.
Schools across the state are beginning to come to terms with COVID-19, especially on the practice field.
While fall high school sports like football have been delayed, some schools are going ahead with conditioning and non-contact exercises.
This week, McGavock High School announced one of its football players tested positive for COVID-19 after practices had already begun.
Doctors who work with athletes say that doesn’t mean stopping athletic practice altogether, but adapting workouts to make it difficult for COVID-19 to spread.
"The coaches, trainers, administrators around them, can be wearing masks, working out in small groups, so if someone does contract it they’re not infecting 20 people, they’re maybe only infecting 5-6 others," said Dr. Alex Diamond with Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
That’s part of the social distancing guidelines Metro Schools already requires of its student-athletes during the pandemic.
Metro Schools says ever since the student-athlete showed symptoms at a screening on July 15, he was sent home and won't be back until released from a health department quarantine.
Metro says no other players or coaches were affected.
You can read Metro Schools’ latest guide on how they’re handling high school sports by clicking here.
