Institutions of Higher Education Must Make Modifications to Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Transmission for In-Person Instruction<\/i>\u00a0<\/u><\/u>\u00a0<\/i>\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n
Collegiate Athletics Must Follow Vigorous Testing Procedures<\/i>\u00a0<\/u><\/u>\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n
SACRAMENTO \u2013\u00a0The California Department of Public Health today\u00a0released statewide interim guidance for institutions of higher education (IHE<\/span>). The guidance is intended to help institutions and their communities plan and prepare to resume in-person instruction when appropriate based on local conditions.\u00a0IHE<\/span>\u00a0must take steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus and to protect students, faculty, workers, and families.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAs colleges and other institutions of higher education plan to resume in-person instruction, it\u2019s critical that campuses make modifications to reduce risk,” said Dr. Erica Pan, State Epidemiologist. “This guidance aims to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our students, families, and the communities where they study.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A phased reopening of higher education institutions will depend on local conditions including epidemiologic trends, availability of\u00a0IHE<\/span>\u00a0and community testing resources, and adequate\u00a0IHE<\/span>\u00a0preparedness and public health capacity to respond to case and outbreak investigations.\u00a0Implementation of this guidance should be tailored for each setting, including adequate consideration of programs operating at each institution and the needs of students and staff.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n The guidance identifies areas\u00a0IHE<\/span>\u00a0must address as they consider resumption of in-person instruction.\u00a0This includes:\u00a0\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n The\u00a0IHE<\/span>\u00a0guidance also outlines conditions under which collegiate athletics may return. This includes:\u00a0\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n Due to the higher risks associated with play, IHEs are expected to ensure full compliance with the state guidelines for college athletics. The state expects campus leaders to strictly adhere to these guidelines and to ensure player protections, including the preservation of scholarships and prohibition of requiring players to sign waivers of liability. In addition, the state will be actively monitoring decisions by IHEs and the NCAA, regarding protections to preserve eligibility through medical redshirts for players who exercise their right under the guidelines to opt-out for the season,<\/u>\u00a0and will take further action as necessary.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n <\/u>\u00a0<\/u><\/p>\n \u201cCalifornia will consider further action if the NCAA or other sport institutions fail to meet these requirements and prioritize their economic interests over the health and well-being of players \u2013 and their families,\u201d added Governor Gavin Newsom.<\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n The institutions of higher education guidance is available\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n California will continue to update and issue guidance based on the best available public health data and the best practices currently employed. More information about the state’s COVID-19 guidance is on the\u00a0California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page<\/a>.<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0<\/u><\/u><\/p>\n\n
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