As initially reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz tested positive for COVID-19 in a daily test on Saturday.
So, what are the next steps for Wisconsin and for Mertz? Per Big Ten protocol, Mertz will now take the more reliable PCR test, a nasal swab test that takes longer than the daily tests to come back:
“The Big Ten will require student-athletes, coaches, trainers and other individuals that are on the field for all practices and games to undergo daily antigen testing. Test results must be completed and recorded prior to each practice or game. Student-athletes who test positive for the coronavirus through point of contact (POC) daily testing would require a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to confirm the result of the POC test.”
If Mertz has a positive PCR test that confirms his initial POC positive, he will miss at least 21 days and games against Nebraska, Purdue, and Michigan. In addition to missing time, Mertz would undergo cardiac testing to ensure he is safe to return to the field per Big Ten protocol:
“All COVID-19 positive student-athletes will have to undergo comprehensive cardiac testing to include labs and biomarkers, ECG, Echocardiogram and a Cardiac MRI. Following cardiac evaluation, student-athletes must receive clearance from a cardiologist designated by the university for the primary purpose of cardiac clearance for COVID-19 positive student-athletes. The earliest a student-athlete can return to game competition is 21 days following a COVID-19 positive diagnosis.”
For now, it is a waiting game to see whether or not Mertz’s PCR test comes back positive, and if other Badger football players test positive for COVID-19 or if this appears to be an isolated case.