MADISON — Although Big Ten voted to resume college football next month, Public Health Madison & Dane County recommends that UW students and Dane County residents do not gather to watch the Badger games.
“Of course it’s disappointing that something as well-loved as gathering to watch Badger football games can’t happen this year,” said Janel Heinrich, director of Public Health Madison & Dane County. “But the reality is that it’s not possible to have a traditional football season without substantially increasing COVID-19 transmission. We value people’s health and lives over sports, and we hope that UW does as well.”
As of now, 42 players and Badgers staff have already tested positive for COVID-19, according to Madison city officials.
Officials say that although athletes recover from COVID-19, long term health issues can persist.
Madison officials say Badger students and staff are at risk, and so are Dane County residents who might have large gatherings for the games.
"The increase in cases we are seeing is predominantly due to parties. Adding football parties into this mix is only going to make the situation worse," said Satya Rhodes-Conway, City of Madison mayor.
