Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Just four days before their scheduled game against LSU, the Florida Gators have halted football activities because of a coronavirus outbreak.
The university announced Tuesday that it has five new COVID-19 cases within the football program. However, sources told ESPN and The Independent Florida Alligator that number has ballooned to 19 positive tests over the last several days.
"The University of Florida football team has experienced an increase in positive COVID-19 tests among players this week," Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said in a statement Tuesday. "Out of an abundance of caution, team activities are paused as of Tuesday afternoon.
"Head coach Dan Mullen has been in communication with football players and their parents, and I have had conversations with the Southeastern Conference office, last week's opponent Texas A&M, and this week's opponent LSU. These circumstances will be re-evaluated by UF Health and the athletic department's sports medicine staff Wednesday."
The team recorded 21 positive cases when players returned to campus in late May. The Gators had no positive cases in August and seven in September.
Florida (2-1) is scheduled to play the LSU Tigers (1-2) on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.
