Brookline Youth Soccer Player Tests Positive For Coronavirus

BROOKLINE, MA —A young soccer player in Brookline Recreation’s grades 7 and 8 coed soccer program has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The player, who took part in a game on Saturday morning, Oct. 3, tested positive for the novel coronavirus after developing symptoms the following day. The affected child is experiencing mild symptoms and is now isolating at home, according to Recreation Director Leigh Jackson and Health Commissioner Swannie Jett in a joint statement.

“Our utmost concern is the health and well being of all of our program participants,” Jackson said. “We are committed to doing all we can to ensure the continued success of our programming while being mindful of the need to adapt as circumstances require.”

As of Monday, the latest data available, 505 people have tested positive for the coronavirus since March in Brookline. Of those, 64 people have died. Statewide Tuesday, 133,359 people had tested positive, including 9,323 people who died, according to state data.

Practices and games for the affected player’s team and the team they played on Oct. 3 have been canceled through the weekend, per department of public health recommendations and recreation department policy.

The recreation department has not yet decided what will happen for the rest of the season.

Health officials have been in contact with families of the two impacted teams and informed them of next steps they should take. The two unaffected grades 7 and 8 coed soccer division teams have had their schedules modified so they can continue to play.

"We are working with the Recreation Department to ensure that we are following all protocols, including following up with all of the families who may have been affected by this case," Jett said.

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