West Virginia says football coaches, players can return to campus in June

West Virginia has put a phased plan in motion to bring football back to Morgantown in June.

After the Big 12 said last week that student-athletes could return to on-campus facilities June 15 for voluntary workouts, the school followed up Friday with the announcement of its plan for coaches and players.

Protocols for screening, distancing, cleaning and sanitation have been set for Phase 1, consisting of a two-week period for coaches and players to return. The two-week slots are June 8-22 for coaches and staff and June 15-29 for football players.

Both groups will be tested for covid-19 at least 72 hours prior to the return date, and the results must be negative before they can enter WVU’s football facilities. Plus, they will follow the current CDC guidelines for containing and stopping the spread of covid-19.

Protocols include limited personnel in facilities at all times, face coverings worn in all common areas and daily screening and temperature checks for staff and student-athletes. Protocols are also in place for the quarantine and treatment of any positive covid-19 cases.

Weight room equipment will be relocated outdoors, properly distanced and sanitized after each use. Virtual remote meetings, which have been occurring for the past two months, will continue.

“Phase 1 is the first step to getting Mountaineer football ready for the 2020 season,” Director of Athletics Shane Lyons said in a statement. “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.”