TAFT, Texas — Taft High School's football team won't practice for at least 14 days after a student-athlete tested positive for COVID-19.
The decision is in accordance with the guidelines from the Texas Education Agency, University Interscholastic League, and the Centers for Disease Control.
One parent said he found out practice was canceled after his son received a text and he received a telephone call from the school district regarding the situation.
According to a statement from the district: "Upon receiving this notification, the athletic department took immediate action and contacted parents and athletes who were in close contact with the student/athlete."
San Patricio County Judge David Krebs said school officials and coaches across the county must steadfastly monitor the students.
“They're gonna be out there interacting with probably 40 other kids, roughly depending on the size of the school, they're gonna have to really watch out for them," Krebs said. "Because if we don't, it may just be another start in the increase of cases we have.”
A student athlete, who preferred not to go on camera says she believes that every athlete should be tested before every game.
Judge Kerbs said students who are asymptomatic could pose a threat.
“He may have been non-symptomatic, and see that’s where it’s gonna be very difficult to find out," Krebs said. "That is way beyond me how you can tell that.”
The school district did not say whether the student had symptoms or not.
Krebs said the UIL should help direct school districts when it comes to athletes.
“That’s why the U.I.L needs to be working with these school districts to make sure these children don’t show symptoms.” he said.