Cluster of COVID-19 Cases Reported among Football Team

Duke has identified a cluster of COVID-19 cases related to student-athletes on the Duke Football team. A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as five or more related cases that are deemed to be in close proximity of time and location, such as a residential hall or apartment complex. 

The 10 individuals, who attended team activities together, are now in isolation. All football-related activities have been temporarily suspended. Contact tracers have identified others who may have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19. A close contact is defined as someone who has been within six feet of an infected person for more than 15 minutes when either person has not been wearing a face covering. Those identified as a close contact have been notified and have been placed in quarantine.

Duke officials have also notified the Durham County Health Department. 

While vaccinations continue, Duke Health officials warn that positive rates could spike without continued observance of preventive measures, including wearing masks, remaining six feet from others, and washing hands regularly.