YOUNGSTOWN — All athletic practices at East and Chaney high schools have been halted and all athletes will be tested for COVID-19.

“Obviously, the health and safety of our scholar-athletes, coaches and families is our first concern,” CEO Justin Jennings said.

A student athlete at East tested positive for the virus, the district learned this week.

“We don’t want the virus to spread so we have temporarily stopped athletic practices at both high schools, effective immediately and until all scholar-athletes are tested,” Jennings said. “Depending on the results of those tests, we will determine how to proceed and when to resume practices.”

The weight room, cafeteria and equipment at East will be sanitized before practices resume.

“I know athletics plays an important role for many young people, so hopefully this is a temporary setback,” Jennings said.

Families who had contact with the student athlete who tested positive also will be offered coronavirus testing.