Mark the Tampa Bay Buccaneers down as another professional sports organization that has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After it was reported multiple Bucs players and staff tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the team confirmed the positive tests in a statement and announced those who may have been exposed to the virus have been notified and will quarantine for 14 days.
The team headquarters will stay open for “Phase 1 employees” and all “essential operations” are continuing.
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The Buccaneers' full statement reads:
We can confirm that there have been individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 at the AdventHealth Training Center," the statement read. "We immediately activated our COVID-19 Response Plan and vacated the affected areas, which will remain closed until extensive sanitization is completed. The individuals who may have been exposed have already been notified and are following the established protocols which include a 14-day quarantine period.
"Our team headquarters remain open for our Phase 1 employees and all essential operations are continuing in preparation for the 2020 season. The names of those impacted, as well as any additional information related to these incidents, will not be released due to privacy concerns.
Earlier this week, several Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys players -- including star Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott -- tested positive for COVID-19. A San Francisco 49ers player also tested positive after working out with teammates in Nashville, Tenn.
On Thursday, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned that "football may not happen this year" unless the NFL implements a "bubble" similar to what the NBA has planned. If reports of positive COVID-19 tests for players and staff continue to pop up, the league may have to reconsider its approach to the 2020 campaign.