SALT LAKE CITY — Utah State University on Monday opened up its facilities to a select group of student-athletes for the first time in months as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The school announced that it opened its facilities for voluntary individual workouts football players, with a phased plan to open facilities for other athletes “later this summer.”
Upon return to campus, athletes will be required to be tested for COVID-19 and quarantine for 14 days (football players who returned to facilities Monday have completed their quarantine). Temperature and other symptom checks will be performed each day as players and staff arrive at the facility, with a wristband signifying that such checks have occurred.
Players will need to make an appointment to use weight rooms and other facilities, and face coverings will be required when they are within 6 feet of others. All equipment and facilities will be sanitized after each use, and locker rooms will not be available for use.
The school also said it has developed protocols should a student-athlete or staff member test positive for the coronavirus, although details of that plan were not given.
“The success within each phase will continue to guide the approach to subsequent phases (of reopening facilities,” the announcement states, “as greater numbers of student-athletes will be welcomed back to campus in the safest possible manner.”