Cubs ‘doing well,’ know they're not clear of COVID-19 yet originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Cubs have not reported any further positive COVID-19 tests but know they're not in the clear following manager David Ross and team president Jed Hoyer testing positive on Friday.
“So far, we're doing well,” interim manager Andy Green said. “I tested again this morning. We'll continue to do so, honestly, right now, multiple times daily to make sure that we catch it as quickly as humanly possible for people who are [Ross’] close contacts.”
The Cubs began taking precautions in wake of Friday's positive results. Outside of testing Ross’ close contacts, they’ve reemphasized wearing masks and limiting time spent together in the clubhouse.
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Green and members of Ross’ coaching staff were seen wearing masks in the dugout during Friday’s win over the Pirates.
“You don't want to feel like you're out of the woods before you are,” Green said. “It takes three to five days in most instances for somebody to pop a positive.
“We're going to continue to behave as cautiously and as optimistically as possible and do what we can to curtail our time together. And for those of us who know we're really close to him and around him a lot, we're going to limit our exposure as much as we can to the players.”
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Green said he didn’t anticipate the coaching staff masking up in the dugout the rest of the season but said those who are considered Ross’ close contacts will do so longer than the staff members who are not.
“We’re going to do what we can to protect ourselves and make as good of decisions as possible to go beyond what MLB regulates and suggests,” Green said, “and what the CDC regulates and suggests.
“That's what we're doing right now. Hopefully, we clear these three to five days, and then we'll peel those off and move about our business the way we were before.”
Ross remains a fixture in the Cubs’ game-planning despite being away. He’s sending in the lineups and is still part of the decision-making process for any roster moves.
“He's still babysitting me,” Green joked. “He's looking out for me every day. Outside of anything that happens within the games — if you don't like the lineups, you still have to crucify him — but then if you don't like the game decisions, if I'm still in there, you can blame me for those.”
Ross seems to be in good spirits.
"The only symptom he has right now that he can't overcome is late-night snacking," Green said, relaying a message from Ross. “He said he’s bored out of his mind.”
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