The Kearney School District (KSD) has been notified that a coach who attended football practice on August 26 and 27, has tested positive for COVID-19. The notification to the school district came on August 29.

*The district stressed that no students were in close contact with the staff member*

The school district stated that the staff member who tested positive was coaching during the JV/Varsity football practice. Fewer than three coaching staff members have been identified as having been in close contact and have been notified by the district. The district stressed that no students were in close contact with the staff member.

The coach who tested positive did not experience symptoms until Friday morning and has not been on campus since Thursday, August 27. KSD continues to take many precautions in order to hold football practices and has coordinated closely with the Clay County Public Health Center (CCPHC) to provide the safest possible environment. Last week, Coach Gray published a video outlining, in great detail, precautions the football program has initiated.

Practices take place outdoors, locker rooms are not being used, players bring their own water bottles, coaches wear masks when physical distancing is not possible, and equipment is frequently sanitized. Additionally, position groups are separated to the maximum extent that is possible for practice to still be productive.

KSD is monitoring the situation closely and says as of right now, football activities will continue for everyone not considered a close contact.

KPGZ Sports – Brian Watts contributed to this story