Has the cause of the outbreak impacting Louisville student-athletes been identified? © Alton Strupp/Courier Journal

Report: Louisville coronavirus outbreak linked to off-campus party

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 8/5/20

A coronavirus outbreak among University of Louisville student-athletes that caused the school to pause workouts for men's and women's soccer, field hockey and volleyball has been linked to an off-campus party.

Cameron Teague Robinson of the Louisville Courier-Journal confirmed the news Wednesday and added that at least 29 student-athletes have returned positive coronavirus test results. Others who were potentially exposed to infected individuals are quarantining and self-isolating.

In an official release, the school said:

"Though all student-athletes have been well-educated about the dangers of social gatherings to themselves and to others, U of L leaders have again reinforced the necessity to adhere to state, local, and Center for Disease Control medical guidelines and procedures for the health and safety of all."

Similar outbreaks have spread through college campuses since student-athletes returned for voluntary workouts. As noted by College Football Talk, an on-campus party attended by Rutgers football players and other student-athletes contributed to the spread of the virus at that university.

In early July, outlets such as ABC News reported that Alabama students were throwing "COVID-19 parties" that included alleged payouts for those who later tested positive for the virus.

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