With members of the Ohio State football team set to return to Columbus Monday for voluntary workouts at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, the university sent out a press release explaining the timeline and guidelines that are going into place involving avoiding the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
For starters, to even begin workouts, each player must go through a five-step process, according to the release: A physical examination administered on campus by Ohio State team physicians and athletic trainers; Education through modules and videos to ensure an understanding of safe physical distancing practices; Additional education on wearing appropriate face coverings, transportation, hand hygiene and cleaning and disinfecting at home; COVID-19 testing and quarantine for 24 to 48 hours or until test results were available; and Viewing an online video walkthrough of the facility, with the last step only being for the WHAC.
When in the WHAC, there will be no more than nine athletes allowed during a specific workout window, and players will be subjected to daily temperature and symptoms checks, while still maintaining social distancing within the building.
If a student athlete tests is found to have tested positive for COVID-19, the release states that “they will self-isolate for at least 14 days and receive daily check-ups with Department of Athletics medical staff, under the direction of team physician Dr. James Borchers. Student-athletes living alone will isolate in their residence. If they have roommates, they will self-isolate in a designated room on campus.”
The release also notes that the men’s and women’s basketball teams will be able to return to campus and begin voluntary workouts starting June 15. The same start date was also given out to the coaches of those teams, along with coaches for men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey and women’s volleyball coaches. The soccer, field hockey and women’s volleyball teams can begin workouts on June 22.
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