ECU pausing athletic activities; 27 positive COVID-19 tests reported

GREENVILLE, Pitt County — East Carolina University will temporarily pause all athletic activities beginning Wednesday.

Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert announced the decision Tuesday and added that all athletic facilities and practice fields will also be closed.

"The health and safety of our student-athletes is our top priority and today’s decision comes in consultation with our medical staff," he said. "We have performed 452 COVID-19 tests with student-athletes, coaches and staff. Twenty-seven positive tests have been confirmed and five of the 27 have recovered."

According to university leaders, all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will self-isolate and be monitored daily by ECU Athletics medical staff.