Chicago Bears Cancel Practice After 4th Positive Coronavirus Test

LAKE FOREST, IL— The Chicago Bears will pause in-person activities and close Halas Hall — the team's Lake Forest headquarters — after a fourth individual on the team tested positive for the coronavirus this week, the Bears said Thursday. It's not clear if the individual is a player, coach or other staff member.

"This morning we were notified that we had a positive COVID-19 test. As a result, the club has elected to pause all in-person football activities today and close Halas Hall. Instead, all meetings will be conducted virtually," according to a statement published Thursday morning.

It's not clear how long the team plans to suspend in-person activities, but after a player tested positive for the virus on Nov. 5, the team was back at Halas Hall for practice the next day.

"The individual who tested positive has been contacted and has already begun self-isolation," the team's statement continued. "We are working with the NFL medical experts to identify close contacts and follow the league's guidance. The health and safety of our team, players and staff are the highest priority."

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the unnamed individual is the fourth Bears player or staff member to test positive for the virus this week. The three others were Manti Te'o, LaCale London and Thomas Ives — all practice squad players.

“Obviously we’re not exempt from this pandemic,” Bears coach Matt Nagy told the paper.

The Bears are still scheduled to host the Texans Sunday at Soldier Field. It's not clear if that will change.