Pitt football pausing all team activities due to COVID-19; next game postponed

PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh announced it is pausing all football activities as the coronavirus has made a resurgence, especially in Allegheny County.

Pitt officials said the suspension of team activities is “due to COVID-related protocols.” The Panthers' next game at Georgia Tech has also been postponed until Dec. 12.

“We are fortunate to have an outstanding group of doctors and medical professionals providing us daily consultation in this challenging environment,” Director of Athletics Heather Lyke said in a release. “Following their recommendation, our football program will pause all activities. Our protocols have prepared us to anticipate and manage these circumstances. Our top priority will always be the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and staff.”

It’s unclear when Pitt will resume football activities, but it is scheduled to next play Nov. 21 at Heinz Field against Virginia Tech.

This comes just days after the university put a “shelter-in-place” order in effect because of a major surge in cases among students, faculty and staff.

The team Pitt was scheduled to play on Saturday, Georgia Tech, released a statement later Thursday about the postponement as well.

Georgia Tech officials said they are unable to field the necessary number of players to compete this weekend because of a combination of injuries, COVID-19 contact tracing and a low number of tests available.

Cox Media Group