MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings' Head Athletic Trainer, Vice President of Sports Medicine and Infection Control Officer Eric Sugarman has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement from the team.
The Vikings sent out a news release Monday saying that Sugarman and members of his family tested positive for the virus over the weekend.
"Eric immediately shared his results with the organization and began to follow the previously established comprehensive protocol created by the NFL and national and local health experts," the Vikings' statement said.
Sugarman said he and his family immediately quarantined after they tested positive.
"At this time we are all doing fine and experiencing only mild symptoms," he said in a statement.
The Vikings have sanitized the facility and notified any personnel who may have had close contact with Sugarman, according to the news release. Those people have been tested for COVID-19.
The team said Sugarman has not had close contact with players recently, and no other cases have been identified in the Vikings front office.
Sugarman said in a statement that he is proud of the effort he and the team have put forward to protect the NFL and the Vikings from the spread of COVID-19. He said his recent work in infection control has been some of the most rewarding of his career.
"But as I sit here in quarantine, it is clear this virus does not discriminate," Sugarman wrote. "It should continue to be taken seriously. I encourage people to take the necessary precautions and follow guidelines that have been established nationally and locally."
Sugarman will continue to fulfill his role as much as possible virtually, according to the team.
"We wish Eric and his family a quick and full recovery and look forward to him returning to the Vikings when appropriate," the statement read.
Later Monday, the Vikings announced four of the team's rookie players had been placed on a new COVID-19 reserve list, created for players who have either tested positive or who have been quarantined for being in contact with someone who is infected with the coronavirus.
According to a news release, the players placed on the new COVID-19 reserve list include their first-round draft pick, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, as well as tackle Blake Brandel, safety Brian Cole II, and offensive lineman Tyler Higby. The Vikings would not confirm if the players tested positive for COVID-19.
