Just 48 hours after saying a COVID-19 outbreak on campus wouldn’t affect plans to play football this fall, the University of North Carolina has suspended all athletic activities through at least Thursday afternoon.
Medical expert questions motives of college football decision-makers
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In addition, all recreational facilities on the Chapel Hill campus will be closed to students, coaches and staff.
“After consulting with our health experts and University leadership, we are taking this action to protect our students, coaches and staff,” UNC athletics director Bubba Cunningham said. “We want to make sure we continue to do everything we can to ensure that that our teams, campus and community remain healthy.”
© Gerry Broome, AP
A North Carolina helmet is shown on the field prior to an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014.
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The school welcomed students back to campus for in-person classes last week, but after at least four clusters of COVID-19 outbreaks, university officials reversed course and moved all classes online.
Schools in the ACC, SEC and Big 12 are still moving forward with plans to begin their football seasons next month — even after the Big Ten and Pac-12 announced the suspension of all sports this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Baltimore Orioles members sit in the stands during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Aug. 16, 2020.
Thrall High School football player Hayden Stefek wears a face mask as he goes through a practice, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in Thrall, Texas.
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (16) watches the action from the dugout during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on Aug 12, 2020.
A security guard places stickers on the audience cutouts before the San Francisco Giants play against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Aug. 10, 2020.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Chris Taylor (3) hands over his batting helmet and gloves to Dodgers first base coach George Lombard, left, during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday, July 31, 2020, in Phoenix.
Football fans cheer during the South Korean K-League football match between Incheon United FC and Gwangju FC in Incheon on August 1, 2020.
Baseball fans enjoy during the KBO League game between LG Twins and Doosan Bears at the Jamsil Stadium on July 26, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. South Korean baseball start accepting fans to stadiums, ahead of other sports after new coronavirus pandemic, up to 10 percent of its capacity.
Baltimore Orioles right fielder Anthony Santander makes a catch at the wall during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 26, 2020.
Texas Rangers fans Bill and Mary Gunn wear masks as they wait in line for corny dogs outside Globe Life Field, the Rangers’ new ballpark, before an opening day baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Friday, July 24, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. “This is as close as we’re getting,” Mary Gunn said.
New York Mets employees place cutouts of fans in the seats before the opening day baseball game between the Mets and the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field, Friday, July 24, 2020, in New York.
Pato O’Ward, of Mexico, makes his way to his car during practice for an IndyCar Series auto race Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa.
Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt Davidson puts on a mask as he heads off the field after the conclusion of a Cincinnati Reds intrasquad scrimmage game at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.
San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. bats during baseball training in San Diego on July 6, 2020. Tatis, has become one of the faces of the San Diego Padres, with or without a facemask. The exciting young shortstop has been taking coronavirus protocols seriously, including wearing a mask during summer camp workouts.
NHRA fans social distance in the grandstands during qualifying for the E3 Spark Plugs Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway. This is the first race back for NHRA since the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
New York City FC coach wears a mask as they work out prior to the game against the Philadelphia Union at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Jul 9, 2020 in Kissimmee, Fla.
Real Madrid’s substitute players wearing face masks sit in the stands during the Spanish League football match between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid at the San Mames stadium in Bilbao on July 5, 2020.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, wearing a mask against the spread of the coronavirus, attends a press conference after he clocked the second fastest time during the qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring racetrack in Spielberg, Austria, Saturday, July 4, 2020.
Boston Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke wears a protective mask to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during practice at Fenway Park in Boston, Friday, July 3, 2020.
A member of the New York Mets walks across the field after batting practice during a baseball workout at Citi Field in New York, Friday, July 3, 2020.
A ball boy observes the Spanish League football match between Sevilla and Real Valladolid at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville on June 26, 2020.
Everton fan “Speedo Mick” is pictured watching the Merseyside derby at his home during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at his house on June 21, 2020 in London, England. Michael Cullen attends Everton games in his trademark bathing suit and raises money for charities by walking hundreds of miles in all kinds of weather.
A member of staff disinfects a match ball while wearing gloves during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on June 21 in Liverpool, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors.
Spectators watch the Danish Supeliga football match Broendby IF and FC Copenhagen, at Broendby Stadium in Broendby, Denmark, Sunday June 21. The match is one of three selected by Danish authorities to allow in 3,000 spectators, as an attempt to bring more fans into matches after the repeal of the lock down to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Manager Adam Smith of the Hanover Raiders, left, and manager Mike Kipe of the Hagerstown Braves, right, stand at proper social distances with umpires Denny Rotz, center back, and Carl McKee before playing in game one of a doubleheader in the South Penn Baseball League at Diller Field on June 20 in Hanover, Pennsylvania. In their 55th season, the South Penn Baseball League resumed today after being delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and following Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf issuing guidelines for recreational sports. Many other levels of baseball have been canceled or postponed due to coronavirus around the globe, including Major League Baseball.
There are no spectators during the 2nd race of the day before the 152nd running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 20 in Elmont, N.Y.
A crew member moves tires before the Folds of Honor Quik Trip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga. on June 7.
A worker wearing a face mask disinfects the San Sebastian Hippodrome after the race season resumed in the Spanish Basque city of San Sebastian on June 7 as the country begins to ease a national lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease.
Driver Joey Logano, left, and driver Chase Elliott talk after the during the NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn. on May 31.
Ben Rhodes (99) leads the pack to the start of the NC Education Lottery 200 NASCAR Gander and RV & Outdoors Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, 2020.
Frankfurt’s German goalkeeper Kevin Trapp leaves after the German first division Bundesliga football match Eintracht Frankfurt v SC Freiburg on May 26, 2020 in Frankfurt, western Germany.
Cardboard pictures of fans are placed in the stands prior to the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Leverkusen, in Moenchengladbach, Germany, Saturday, May 23, 2020.
NASCAR crews fuel their cars before the Toyota 500 at Darlington Speedway on May 20, 2020.
A crew member in a mask checks the tires in the garage area prior to the NASCAR Xfinity Series Toyota 200 at Darlington Raceway on May 19, 2020 in Darlington, S. C.
Kevin Harvick celebrates after winning celebrates after winning the Real Heroes 400 on Darlington, S. C. on May 17, 2020.
Rory McIlroy of the American Nurses Foundation team, Dustin Johnson of the American Nurses Foundation team, Rickie Fowler of the CDC Foundation team and Matthew Wolff of the CDC Foundation team walk down the first fairway during the TaylorMade Driving Relieve Supported By UnitedHealth Group on May 17, 2020 at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Fla.
Overview during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen 04 in Bremen, Germany, Monday, May 18, 2020. The German Bundesliga becomes the world’s first major soccer league to resume after a two-month suspension because of the coronavirus pandemic.
A TV camera operator is seen with a face covering before the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Wohninvest Weserstadion on May 18, 2020 in Bremen, Germany. The Bundesliga and Second Bundesliga is the first professional league to resume the season after the nationwide lockdown due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. All matches until the end of the season will be played behind closed doors.
Greyhounds compete in a race at Iowa Greyhound Park in Dubuque, Iowa, Sunday, May 17, 2020. The race season started this weekend without spectators due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A NASCAR official with a mask inspect cars prior to the NASCAR Cup Series The Real Heroes 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 17, 2020 in Darlington, South Carolina. NASCAR resumes the season after the nationwide lockdown due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19).
A NASCAR official with a mask looks on prior to the NASCAR Cup Series The Real Heroes 400 at Darlington Raceway on May 17, 2020 in Darlington, South Carolina.
Fortuna Duesseldorf’s assistant coach Rob Kelly attends the German first division Bundesliga football match Fortuna Dusseldorf v SC Paderborn on May 16, 2020 in Duesseldorf, western Germany as the season resumed following a two-month absence due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Journalists keep distance in the stands as they report from the German first division Bundesliga football match RB Leipzig v SC Freiburg on May 16, 2020 in Leipzig, eastern Germany as the season resumed following a two-month absence due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
Dortmund’s Belgian forward Thorgan Hazard celebrates with Dortmund’s German forward Julian Brandt after scoring his side’s third goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match BVB Borussia Dortmund v Schalke 04 on May 16, 2020 in Dortmund, western Germany.
A picture shows the empty stadium during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Augsburg v VfL Wolfsburg on May 16, 2020 in Augsburg, southern Germany.
A young fan sits in the stands at Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium in New Taipei City, Taiwan, Friday, May 8, 2020.
Hong Wun Chen #13 of Fubon Guardians pitches at the top of the 9th inning during the CPBL game between Rakuten Fubon Guardians and Uni-Lions at the Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium on May 08, 2020 in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The CPBL lets 1000 fans in the stadium for the first time after the new season started behind closed doors.
Commander of National Health Command Center Shih Chung Chen send regards prior to the CPBL game between Rakuten Fubon Guardians and Uni-Lions at the Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium on May 8, 2020 in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The CPBL lets 1000 fans in the stadium for the first time after the new season started behind closed doors.
Cardboard cutouts of fans prior to the CPBL season opening game between Rakuten Monkeys and CTBC Brothers at Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium on April 11, 2020 in Taoyuan, Taiwan. The fixyure will be played behind closed doors, without fans due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.
An employee of LG Twins watches their intra-team game played for fans at a empty Jamshil baseball stadium, as South Koreans take measures to protect themselves against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) on April 05, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea.
LG Twins team players during their intra-team game broadcasted online for their fans at a empty Jamshil baseball stadium as South Koreans take measures to protect themselves against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) on April 5, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea. South Korea has called for expanded public participation in social distancing, as the country witnesses a wave of community spread and imported infections leading to a resurgence in new cases of COVID-19.
A supporter of FC Minsk, wears a facemask for protective measures amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19, as he attends the Belarus Championship football match between FC Minsk and FC Dinamo-Minsk in Minsk, on March 28, 2020.
Great American Ball Park remains empty as the scheduled Opening Day game is postposed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
While on a walk with his dogs, a man looks through the locked gates at Dodger Stadium on Mar 26, 2020. Opening day between the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With less than an hour left until what would have been first pitch, the ticket windows at Progressive Field were all closed in Cleveland, Ohio on Mar 26, 2020. The Indians were scheduled to play the Detroit Tigers, but the season has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rob and Michele Sommerfelt of Cleveland take a walk around Progressive Field on what should have been Opening Day in Cleveland, Ohio on Mar 26, 2020. T
A worker wearing protective gears disinfects as a precaution against the new coronavirus at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The Korea Baseball Organization has postponed the start of new season to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness.
The empty baseball field at Oconee County High School in Watkinsville, Ga., on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. High school athletics in Athens-Clarke County and Oconee County are on hold for the foreseeable future.
Enock Mohamed of St. Paul, Minn. juggles a soccer ball on an empty mall at Allianz Field as the March 15, 2020 match between the New York Red Bulls and Minnesota United FC is postponed due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Deer Valley ski resort officially closed March 15, 2020 due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Parent company Alterra Mountain Company closed all of their fifteen resorts.
Fans look out onto the empty practice field at George M. Steinbrenner Field were the spring training game between the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees has been canceled do to the COVID-19 virus. Major League Baseball is also delaying the start of the regular season by at least two weeks.
Deer Valley ski resort officially closed March 15, 2020 due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Parent company Alterra Mountain Company closed all of their fifteen resort.
A view of an empty Nippert Stadium following the suspension of the Major League Soccer regular season due to COVID-19 concerns. FC Cincinnati was set for the home opener against DC United on March 14, 2020.
Detailed view of discounted merchandise being sold on March 14, 2020 at a store in the CNN Center in Atlanta after the NCAA men’s basketball Final Four was cancelled due to the coronavirus.
Usually packed with people on game day, an empty plaza in front of a closed Staples Center on March 14, 2020. The LA Kings originally were scheduled to host the Anaheim Ducks.
A general view of the Wells Fargo Center where the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers for March 14, 2020 was cancelled after the postponement of the NBA season due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Security personnel are pictured near the closed entrances to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas after the NCAA cancelled the remaining games of the Pac-12 Tournament.
A general view of signage at MAPFRE Stadium related to the suspension of the MLS season due to the COVID-19 virus on March 14, 2020.
Detailed view of a sign highlighting the suspension of the NBA season at State Farm Arena where a game for March 14, 2020 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks was cancelled due to the coronavirus.
Fans read a sign posted by Major League Soccer stating the decision to suspend matches for 30 days as a precaution to minimize the spread of coronavirus COVID-19 at BMO Field, home of Toronto FC.
A general view of an empty Inter Miami CF Stadium on March 14, 2020. Inter Miami originally was scheduled to play its first-ever home game against the Los Angeles Galaxy. However, MLS suspended matches for 30 days due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
A general view of BBVA Stadium as a match between the Seattle Sounders and the Houston Dynamo is postponed on March 14, 2020.
A look secures the gates at CoolToday Park following the cancellation of Major League Baseball spring training due to the Covid 19 coronavirus on Mar 13, 2020.
Peru’s Alianza Lima and Argentina’s Racing Club play a Copa Libertadores soccer match at the Presidente Peron stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, March 12, 2020. The match was played in an empty, closed door stadium as part of the government’s measures to contain transmission of the new coronavirus.
Mike Lemcke, from Richmond, Va., sits in an empty Greensboro Coliseum after the NCAA college basketball games were cancelled at the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, March 12, 2020. The biggest conferences in college sports all canceled their basketball tournaments, including the NCAA tournaments, because of the new coronavirus.
Alena Ellsworth and Anna Camp-Bennett of BYU embrace after the NCAA Indoor Championships at Albuquerque Convention Center were cancelled because of novel coronavirus on Mar 12, 2020.
Players with the University of Missouri baseball team wait in the baggage claim area of Chicago’s Midway Airport Thursday, March 12, 2020, only to arrive in Chicago and then get notified that the team’s SEC Conference opener with Alabama Friday, had been canceled.
A worker cleans the seats after the announcement of the cancellation of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 12, 2020 in Nashville.
Robert Black uses a hand sanitizer dispenser prior to the NCAA Indoor Championships on Mar 12, 2020.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey speaks during a press conference after it was announced that the Southeastern Conference Tournament was canceled due to Coronavirus concerns at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Pedro Neto, left, celebrates with teammates in an empty stadium on March 12, 2020.
The Michigan Wolverines against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is cancelled with no fans in attendance due to Coronavirus on Mar 12, 2020.
A Big Ten volunteer wipes down courtside area with bleach wipes during the halftime of the Indiana vs Nebraska first round Big Ten Mens Basketball Tournament on Mar 11, 2020.
Marlboro and Hastings play during the Class B Regional Boys Basketball Semifinal on March 11, 2020. Due to coronavirus concerns the game was played without spectators.
Boston Celtics center Enes Canter wears a message on his shoes for fans to wash their hands as a precaution for coronavirus CoVid 19 on Mar 10, 2020.
Portland Trail Blazers fans wear protective suits and gloves and masks mocking the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at the Moda Center on Mar 10, 2020.
Signs outside read that the NHL Season has been suspended after the Detroit Red Wings against the Washington Capitals game was postponed due to the coronavirus at Capital One Arena on March 12, 2020 in Washington, DC.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: University of North Carolina shuts down athletic programs through Thursday afternoon after COVID-19 spike
Video: Universities halt in-person classes after coronavirus outbreaks on campuses (CBS News)
Universities halt in-person classes after coronavirus outbreaks on campuses
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