Miami Hurricanes administrators have plan for athletes return

The Miami Hurricanes athletic administration led by athletic director Blake James has a plan in place for the return of their athletes safely that is in tune with the rest of the university.

Miami Hurricanes athletic director Blake James released a statement on Monday announcing a plan for the safe return of their student-athletes to campus. With the rest of collegiate athletics, the Miami Hurricanes student-athletes have mostly been off campus since the Covid-19 quarantine began in March.

James stated in his release that the athletic department has worked with their colleagues on campus and with UHealth to develop a plan for the athletes to return. The University of Miami is led by President Julio Frenk who is a global expert on pandemics.

Frenk was the Minister of Health for Mexico from 2000-06 under former President Vincent Fox. Frenk also spent time working at the World Health Organization. The Miami football team has returned incrementally.

Injured players returned last month and the Hurricanes reportedly welcomed back some players this month who live in South Florida. The updated plan is expected to extend the list of football players returning to 65 that live locally.

The statement released by James included a list of guidelines by the Center for Disease control. Part of the Hurricanes staff including athletic trainers and strength and conditioning coaches will also return to campus.

"“We are excited to start bringing our student-athletes and staff back to campus…We have worked diligently with our colleagues on campus and at UHealth to ensure that we have a plan in place to bring them back safely and securely and that is consistent with the broader University plan.It has been inspiring to witness the commitment and dedication of our U Family to stay connected to each other throughout this pandemic. But there’s no place like the University of Miami and I know everyone is looking forward to getting back to our campus.”Prior to the arrival of student-athletes and staff to the University, facility and operational guidelines have been put in place, including the following:Ability to train and work out while still using current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelinesBaseline COVID-19 testing (including both PCR and serology testing) prior to engaging in organized activity, as permissible under NCAA legislation, for student-athletes and staff engaged in direct contact with student-athletesAbility to test for COVID-19 when symptomaticQuarantine and isolation protocolsContact tracingProper education and accommodations for student-athletes and staffDaily screening and temperature checksReturn-to-activity protocols for COVID-19 positive cases"

The return of the Hurricanes athletes will initially occur in groups of eight plus a trainer and a coach for workouts per NCAA rules. Players may also conduct voluntary workouts while practicing social distancing.

Football players will highlight the return of Miami Hurricanes athletes to campus with women’s soccer, volleyball and basketball, plus men’s basketball. When the aforementioned teams are successfully integrated back to campus, the remaining Miami Hurricanes teams will return.

Athletic facilities on the Miami campus have been updated with sanitation protocols per University of Miami standards. Hand sanitizer stations and disinfection of all common areas will be implemented. Six-foot social distancing and face coverings will also be required.

Non-essential athletic department staff who do not work with athletes will continue to telecommute to minimize the number of employees on campus at the same time.