SEC issues rules for COVID-19 testing, masks and quarantine
SEC football players will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing at least twice per week during game weeks, and coaches will be required to wear masks while on the sideline, under protocols the conference announced Friday.
Here are the key details from the SEC'S plan:
Testing
The SEC will coordinate testing through a third-party provider.
Football players and others in direct contact with the program will receive a polymerase chain reaction test at least twice weekly during competition, typically six days and three days before a game.
Volleyball and soccer players and others in direct contact with those programs will receive a PCR test at least twice weekly during competition, with one to occur three days before the first competition of the week.
The SEC'S medical guidance task force recommends exploring alternative testing methods that will accommodate a third test for football, volleyball and soccer, in addition to the two required PCR tests. A third test would provide a rapid response in a timeframe closer to competition.
Cross country athletes and others in direct contact with the program will receive a PCR test at least once per week during competition, occurring three days prior to each competition.
Masks
In football, volleyball and soccer, all coaches and staff will be required to wear face coverings on the sideline, and physical distancing will be employed.
Cross country athletes will be required to wear a face covering at the starting line. The mask may be removed when proper distancing has been achieved.
Confirmed infection
An athlete with a confirmed infection must isolate for at least 10 days from the date of the positive test or the onset of symptoms.
Quarantine
Those with prolonged close contact (greater than 15 minutes within 6 feet) during the period of infectivity (two days before symptom onset until the time of isolation), will be considered a high-risk contact and must quarantine for 14 days.
If no symptoms develop while an athlete is quarantined, the athlete may return to competition after the 14-day period. Testing does not shorten or remove the 14-day quarantine period.
Athletes with a prior confirmed COVID-19 infection that are within a 90-day window of symptom onset or a positive test will not be required to quarantine following a close contact with an infected individual.
Oversight
Each school shall designate a COVID-19 oversight officer who shall be responsible for education and ensuring compliance with the SEC’S COVID-19 management plan.
Cancellation
Games may be canceled if:
There's an inability to isolate new positive cases or quarantine individuals after high-risk contacts.
Tests are unable to be performed when warranted.
Campus or community positive test rates are considered unsafe by local public health officials.
Contact tracing consistent with local, state or federal requirements or recommendations cannot be performed.
Local public health officials determine an inability for hospitals to accommodate a surge in hospitalizations.