WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Five student-athletes at Westerville Central High School tested positive for COVID-19, the district confirmed Monday.
A district spokesperson said two football players, a girls volleyball player, a girls soccer player and a cheerleader tested positive and the affected programs are shut down for 14 days from the last date of potential exposure.
Football:
Last date of potential exposure is July 21. Shut down through Aug. 4
Girls Volleyball:
Last date of potential exposure is July 22. Shut down through Aug. 5
Cheerleading:
Last date of potential exposure is July 20. Shut down through Aug. 3
Girls Soccer:
Last date of potential exposure is July 22. Shut down through Aug. 5
The spokesperson also said the school was able to trace the cases back to a non-school related gathering.
Parents are now trying to decide what is best for their children as extracurricular activities begin for the school year.
“The one that I’m really worried about is football and basketball. Those are the ones I worry about, anything indoor,” said New Albany parent Justin Giger.
Giger lives and works in Westerville while his children attend school in New Albany.
He said while there is no right answer for parents or children, he thinks age should be considered when determining if children should continue with sports this year.
“At this point in time, I think that especially kids that are eight- to 14 or 15 years old, I think that they probably shouldn’t,” Giger said.
Giger’s son plays football among other sports. He said the kids will go in for helmet and pad fittings within the next week but an official decision for the season has not been made.
The spokesperson from Westerville Schools said it is recommended all athletes in the affected programs self-quarantine for those 14 days as a precaution.
The athletes had been partaking in voluntary workouts at the high school.
The district said families have been notified and are encouraged to monitor the student-athletes for any COVID-19 symptoms.