Arizona paused its plan to bring athletes back to campus on Monday, citing an increase in COVID-19 cases in Pima County and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the local health system.
On June 15, the school began bringing athletes back for volunteer training in groups of approximately 20, with new groups arriving each week. Arizona said Monday that it only received a positive COVID-19 result after evaluating 83 athletes in the past few weeks.
Arizona is awaiting clarification on whether it can continue training with athletes already on campus after Governor Doug Ducey on Monday ordered all gyms in the state to shut down for 30 days as a result of the COVID-19 spike. Arizona reported 3,858 positive cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, marking its highest total in a single day and the seventh report of more than 3,000 cases in the previous 10 days. Pima County now has more than 7,500 confirmed cases.
“The health, safety, and well-being of all members of our community is our number one priority,” Arizona Athletic Director Dave Heeke said in a prepared statement. “We will continue to work closely with campus partners and our local government agencies to support and evaluate a safe and healthy return to campus.”
The Arizona soccer team hoped to begin formal activities on July 6 as it prepares for a scheduled season opener on August 29 against Hawaii.
“Our mission has always been, first and foremost, the safety of our student athletes, staff, and community,” said Dr. Stephen Paul of CATS Medical Services in a prepared statement. “Health and safety continue to be the guiding force in our re-entry process. We will continue to monitor the status and impact of COVID-19 in our community and our continued and safe training of student-athletes already on campus. Evaluate when resume their re-entry process in collaboration with the guidelines and protocols of the University of Arizona, the Pac-12 Conference, the NCAA, and state and local government agencies. “
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