Vanderbilt has temporarily paused football activities and moved some student-athletes into isolation housing on Friday, Aug. 21 after multiple student-athletes tested positive for COVID-19.

A spokesperson for Vanderbilt athletics issued a statement to The Hustler on Aug. 21 at 6:23 p.m. CT:

“We temporarily paused football activities and cancelled Friday morning’s practice after being made aware of a small number of positive COVID-19 test results within our program. The results were determined through our ongoing testing procedures, which are among a number of prevention protocols we have in place to protect the health and safety of our student-athletes and our larger community.

The student-athletes that tested positive for COVID-19 have been placed in isolation per the university’s protocols. Everyone is working closely with our Public Health Command Center and other health officials to identify close contacts and ensure that they are not interacting with others on campus or in the Nashville community.

We will continue to follow our safety guidelines and implement additional measures as necessary while we look forward to resuming team activities.”

The statement, delivered via email, came shortly after Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason acknowledged the pause on Twitter:

We've had a small number of positive COVID-19 test results in our program. Health & safety remains a top priority. We cancelled Friday's practice and are temporarily pausing activities. We're following the university's protocols until it is deemed safe to resume.
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— Derek Mason (@CoachDerekMason) August 21, 2020

The number of student-athletes that tested positive and have been moved into isolation housing remains unspecified.

Vanderbilt began fall practice on Monday, Aug. 17 and completed four practices before halting play. The Commodores are scheduled to open their season on Sept. 26 against Texas A&M.