Football coaches, players to be tested for COVID-19

After being delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Orange County high school football players will finally be taking the field next week and it will come with extra precautions — including the use of rapid coronavirus testing in the days leading up to games.

Early Thursday, Sept. 10, coaches around the county were informed by Orange County Public Schools that every football player, coach and trainer would be required to take one of the rapid tests before each game this season. Refusal to take the test would bar that individual from that week's game.

This week's announcement comes almost two weeks after OCPS announced it was restricting face-to-face instruction for the county's football players.