Loyola halts men’s basketball activities after positive coronavirus test

Loyola says its men’s basketball team has stopped all team activities after members of the program tested positive for the coronavirus.

“Since July, we have been mindful and diligent while testing for the past 16 weeks with no positives until this point,” Loyola head coach Porter Moser said in a statement released by the school. “But, as we have seen throughout the county, COVID-19 cases are on the rise, spiking everywhere, and unfortunately it has reached our program. … We will get through this and will return to play when it is safe to be back.”

Loyola did not identify who in the program — which consists of student-athletes, coaches, managers and staff — tested positive, or how many positive tests it received.

The university said the Nov. 25 scheduled start of practice will be delayed. The Ramblers’ first game is scheduled for Dec. 30 at home at Gentile Arena against Drake.