University of South Carolina prepping for student-athletes to return in summer

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCIV) – The University of South Carolina is gearing up to welcome student-athletes back to campus over the summer for voluntary workouts.

Officials said they've developed protocols that exceed CDC guidelines to help keep student-athletes safe.

According to the school, all student-athletes will be given a COVID-19 test when they arrive on campus. The tests must come back negative before these players can take part in voluntary workouts or the start of practice activities.

Student-athletes who test positive will be isolated from the team and will either be sent home or return to campus until the isolation period ends. These students will be in constant communication with staff members.

If a roommate or member of the player's "cluster" tests positive, the player must be quarantined for 14 days from the last exposure to the individual.

Players will be allowed to return after they are symptom-free for 14 days.

All facilities used by football players have undergone a strict cleaning process. In addition, there will be staggered entries and departures from the Long Family Football Operations Building. Devices, keys and personal items will also be disinfected upon entry.

Each day, a medical check will be administered to every player and staff member entering the Long Family Football Operations Building. All football players and staff must also wear face coverings in public places.

Physical distancing will be emphasized and players will be divided into small groups.

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