WATERLOO, Ind. (WFFT) - The DeKalb and Angola football teams will be sidelined for the next two weeks due to coronavirus quarantine.
According to DeKalb County Health Officer Dr. Mark Souder, a player on DeKalb's team tested positive for the coronavirus after contracting it from a family member.
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Baron Athletics:
— DHSAthletics (@BaronAthletics) August 26, 2020
Varsity Football update:
Because of unfortunate circumstances and with the following of guidelines set by the DeKalb County Health Department, Friday nights home Varsity Football game vs Garrett has been cancelled.#WeAreDeKalb
ATTENTION:
— Angola Hornet Athletics (@SteveLantz1) August 26, 2020
Varsity Football Update:
Out of abundance of caution and the recommendation of the Steuben County Heath Department our varsity football team who played in the game last Friday night against DeKalb will be quarantined at home for 14 days.
Souder says the department learned about the positive case Tuesday afternoon and began their contact tracing efforts immediately after.
“Because of unfortunate circumstances and with the following of guidelines set by the DeKalb County Health Department, Friday nights home Varsity Football game vs Garrett has been cancelled,” posted DeKalb athletic director Christopher Rhodes Wednesday on Twitter.
After initially confirming the school would not play Week 3, as well, Rhodes followed up with a tweet that said the team will also not play East Noble on Sept. 11, giving the Barons three straight weeks off.
Dr. Souder said that everyone who was in contact with the DeKalb player will be required to quarantine for two weeks, including family members.
He says the health department is working with the state to set up a testing site in Butler to help increase testing in the county.
"We have very big concerns with large events such as weddings happening in our county. When they are not done with social distancing and mask-wearing by everyone, we are concerned these will increase disruptions in schools. New vigilance is required," Souder explained.
Angola's athletic department also confirmed via Twitter that its football team will sit out the next two weeks.
The Hornets were set to play Leo on Friday night, with an open date in Week 3.
"Out of abundance of caution and the recommendation of the Steuben County Health Department, our varsity football team who played in the game last Friday night against DeKalb will be quarantined for 14 days,” the tweet said.
The Barons were set to face Garrett this Friday, New Haven in Week 3, and East Noble in Week 4.
Their next scheduled game is now Sept. 18 against Columbia City.
Angola's next scheduled game is Sept. 11 at home against West Noble.
