Cal Athletics reports 5 more COVID-19 cases

University has tested 125 student-athletes, cases now up to 8

Sather Gate, on the University of California, Berkeley, campus (Courtesy: Berkeley News)

There are now eight cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, among Cal student-athletes, according to the university athletic department.

Jeff Faraudo from Cal Sports Report was first to report the news.

The number of cases among Cal student-athletes has more than doubled to eight since June 30, the first time a tally was publicly released. More than two weeks ago, the university had only three cases among student-athletes. Citing privacy concerns, the university is not releasing case counts by sport.

About 125 student-athletes are on campus this summer for voluntary workouts, and the same number have been tested for Covid-19. These athletes agree to self-report any symptoms associated with Covid-19 every day before reporting to any athletics facility, campus or practice sites, among other requirements.

To date, Cal Athletics has conducted 250 Covid-19 tests, and some student-athletes have been tested multiple times by the university. For example, someone may be tested at the beginning and end of self-quarantine periods or as a part of campus contact-tracing efforts.

Alameda County, home to Berkeley, Calif., is on the state Covid-19 “watch list,” which results in business closures. In the last week, the University of California, Berkeley, campus reported 47 new cases linked to fraternity and sorority parties held over the summer, and on Friday, they reported an additional 25 students had tested positive from the same parties. The Pac-12 Conference also announced Commissioner Larry Scott has tested positive for Covid-19.