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CONTRIBUTED BY ETSU ATHLETICS

JOHNSON CITY – Following consultation with local health care experts and elected officials, East Tennessee State University President Dr. Brian Noland has announced that no spectators will be allowed at ETSU athletic events, including those hosted at the University School, effective today, Dec. 8, through Dec. 27.

At that time, ETSU will evaluate regional data respective to the COVID-19 pandemic in making a decision about future events.

“This decision was made in consultation with the ETSU Health Medical Response Team and ETSU Athletics,” said President Noland. “I appreciate the heroic work underway by health care workers across this region. We all need to do our part to help them in their efforts to keep us and our families safe.”

President Noland urges elected officials to seriously consider making similar decisions for middle and high school athletics and other indoor events to remain in effect until after the holiday season.

“I ask county and municipal leaders to join East Tennessee State University in restricting attendance to athletics and other events through the holidays to combat the rapid spread of COVID-19 in our region.

All of us are hopeful that this difficult time will soon pass; however, we must step forward and make difficult and perhaps unpopular decisions in order to keep the people of our region safe.”

Additional information will be shared with students and parents regarding upcoming athletic events at the University School. More information about ETSU Athletics, including any schedule changes, will be available at etsubucs.com.