The MAC, in an email to The News, declined to comment on the outbreak at UB.

UB running back Jaret Patterson said last week during a video conference with local reporters that he will hold teammates accountable if they want to play this season.

“You have to harp on your other teammates about how important it is to wear a mask in the facilities or when you’re out, just so you won’t put others at risk,” Patterson said. “It’s really more important than ever (now) that we’ve got the green light to go, for our leaders on this team to really start cracking down on guys and keep giving them reminders. Wear your mask and stay healthy so everyone can be available to play.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to miss games just because they tested positive for (Covid). We really have to start harping on guys and reminding guys and telling them how serious it is.”

At the FBS level, 22 games have already been canceled or postponed this season because of Covid-19 issues, including positive tests, contact tracing and isolation or quarantine of players. Several teams have also played games without a fraction of their rosters, and the Southeastern Conference is requiring its teams to have at least 53 scholarship players available for games, including a quarterback, seven offensive linemen and four defensive linemen.

The MAC announced it will implement a Covid-19 testing program that begins Oct. 5 and requires four antigen tests per week for athletes, coaches and football staff. All positive tests will need confirmation with a PCR test. Any athlete with a positive test will enter a cardiac screening protocol.