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Bielema tests positive for COVID, out Saturday at Iowa

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema tested positive for COVID-19 this week, the program announced Tuesday.

In a virtual news conference Monday, Bielema said a support staff member and student manager tested positive for the virus after the Penn State game last month. Bielema said he got his booster shot last week and the team was 100% vaccinated before the start of the season.

“After developing mild symptoms yesterday, I was tested and unfortunately late Monday night tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19,” Bielema said in a statement. “I’m disappointed that I will not be with our team this week when we travel to Iowa, but I’m grateful that I’m vaccinated and received the booster shot last week.