SAN JOSE, Calif. - The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced a series of guidelines for institutions of higher learning on Aug. 7, including a set of regulations for collegiate athletics.
FAN IMPACT
Guidance from the CDPH includes limitations on "non-essential visitors" to campuses, which eliminates fan attendance for all collegiate athletics events in the state.
"We certainly understand the need to curb large gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and will comply with all state and county health guidelines," said Marie Tuite, Athletics Director. "We will soon be providing information to our season ticket holders and our fan base regarding ways to watch and follow along with the Spartans this fall. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to keep wearing masks and social distancing so we can bring our fans back to campus soon."
It is unknown when restrictions on fan attendance will be lifted.
Further information for season ticket holders of fall sports will be announced in the coming days.
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ADDITIONAL CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDANCE
- Teams must require masks for coaches, staff, media and any players not engaged in play.
- Practice may resume, only if regular periodic COVID-19 testing of athletes and support staff must be established and implemented.
- Isolation and quarantine will be required upon a positive test.
- Competition between teams without spectators can begin only if:
- Institutions of higher learning can provide COVID-19 testing and results within 72 hours of competition in high contact risk sports.
- Athletics departments should consider how to share testing results and related safety assurances to opposing teams before the start of an event in a manner consistent with applicable health information and education privacy laws.
- In conjunction with local public health officials and contact tracers, schools must in place a mechanism for notifying other schools should an athlete from one team test positive within 48 hours after competition with another team.
- Teams must follow the college athletic association (e.g., NCAA), conference-specific, and institutions of higher education-specific "return to play" safety plans.