Kirby Smart and other UGA players, coaches may have to self-quarantine. Here’s why.
A number of University of Georgia football coaches and players may be required to self-quarantine following the university’s spring break as COVID-19 cases increase in the United States, according to media reports.
UGASports.com and USA Today’s UGAWire report the university sent a memo to faculty and staff Thursday requiring anyone who traveled outside of the country to self-quarantine when they return home. The requirements also apply to students.
UGAWire reported that head coach Kirby Smart is one of many in the football program who left the United States for spring break. Pictures posted on Instagram by Mary Beth Smart, Kirby’s wife, show the family vacationed in Costa Rica.
UGA Athletic Director Greg McGarity could not confirm which players or coaches would be required to quarantine, UGASports reports.
Part of the memo reads, “If you have traveled anywhere outside of the United States over spring break, you MUST NOT return to the UGA campus or facility.
“Anyone who has traveled internationally in the past 14 days MUST self-quarantine until you have been asymptomatic for a period of 14 days from the date of entering/re-entering the United States.”
UGAWire reports no player, coach or staffer has tested positive for COVID-19. The University of Georgia has not reported any positive cases.
COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that’s a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past.
Some people, like those ages 60 and older and individuals with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.
If you have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and develop fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your health care provider or local health department right away.
Be sure to call before going to a medical facility and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 6:04 PM.