MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU football players will return to campus between June 15-29 under the WVU Athletic Department’s phased-in plan to restart football after what will be a three-month shutdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Phase 1, announced Friday afternoon, will first bring coaches and staff back to the Puskar Center between June 8-22, players will return in a two-week slot beginning in mid-June.
“Phase 1 is the first step to getting Mountaineer football ready for the 2020 season,” WVU AD Shane Lyons said in Friday’s announcement. “This two-week phased approach enables us to safely get our football staff and players back to campus and will provide the guidance for the return of other student-athletes starting in July. I want to thank our medical team and department staff who worked endless hours in putting together a plan that puts the safety of our football student-athletes, staff and University first.”
The return will include protocols for screening, distancing, cleaning and sanitation. Both groups will be tested for COVID-17 at last 72 hours before their return date. If the results are positive they cannot return. Coronavirus CDC guidelines will be followed.
Friday’s announcement included information about a few of the protocols to be followed including “limited personnel in the facilities at all times, face coverings to be worn in all common areas and daily screening and temperature checks for staff and student-athletes. Weight room equipment will be relocated outdoors, properly distanced and sanitized after each use and virtual remote meetings will still occur.”
The department said there are also protocols for quarantine and treatment of positive cases.
The Big 12 announced last week that student-athletes and its member schools could return to campus June 15 for voluntary workouts.