CLEVELAND — The Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio said it is taking precautions after the Cleveland Browns announced that Baker Mayfield is among a group of more than a dozen players who are in COVID-19 protocol. 

Mayfield attended the Passing the Joy event in Elyria on Monday along with 75 children. The club said on Wednesday it informed the parents of the children of Mayfield’s diagnosis. 

The Boys and Girls Club noted that Mayfield tested negative for the virus on Tuesday. 

Jeff Scott, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio, said that masks were required and guests had their temperatures checked prior to entry. Photos from Monday’s event indicate that Mayfield and some of the children lowered their masks to take a photo. 

Mayfield was also seen wearing a mask while participating in an indoor snowball fight with the children. 

Scott said the organization has decided to close its Elyria location temporarily. 

“We are closing the Elyria South Club for the remainder of the week, allowing us to do a deep cleaning and limit any further exposure,” Scott said. “We remain committed to providing safe, fun places for your children after school and giving them opportunities to grow.”

Mayfield’s appearance at the Boys and Girls Club was among a number of community events Browns players have participated in recently. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said the team is supportive of players continuing their involvement in the community despite the ongoing pandemic. 

“I think with that, our guys, as you know, being in the community and giving back to the community is a very big deal to us,” Stefanski said Wednesday. “Now, we want to do that responsibly, and we always follow CDC guidelines and the league’s protocols. That is what our team will continue to do.”

Stefanski would not comment on Mayfield's condition, but said the quarterback will remain prepared for Saturday's game in case Mayfield can provide two negative coronavirus tests 24 hours apart.