California releases new guidance for colleges, universities: Meet these conditions to reopen

California’s colleges and universities may reopen to in-person learning if local conditions permit it, according to guidance released by the California Department of Public Health on Friday.

The 34-page document released by the state details the conditions for which institutions of higher education may reopen, including college athletic programs.

“As colleges and other institutions of higher education plan to resume in-person instruction, it’s critical that campuses make modifications to reduce risk,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Erica Pan in a statement. “This guidance aims to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our students, families, and the communities where they study.”

According to the document, a phased reopening of colleges and universities will depend on such things as epidemiological trends, the availability of community COVID-19 testing resources and public health’s capacity to respond to case and outbreak investigations.

For institutions that are in counties that have been on the state’s monitoring list for three or more consecutive days, indoor lectures are not allowed.

Campuses must come up with specific COVID-19 prevention plans, must make sure that there is adequately spaced student seating, must limit nonessential visitors and activities, must provide “grab-and-go” style meal options for students or else serve individually plated meals, and must close non-essential shared spaces such as game rooms and lounges.

Should a student, staff or faculty member test positive, the institution must conduct initial assessments and then consult with local public health officials to determine potential follow-up actions, such as either partial or total closure.

The guidance spells out in what circumstances college sports may resume.

That guidance includes a requirement that coaches, staff, media and players not currently playing in the game wear masks and that practice is allowed only if regular, periodic COVID-19 testing is available.

It also allows for competitions between teams without spectators, only if the institution can provide COVID-19 testing and results within 72 hours of the game for high-contact sports.

“California 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 – and their families,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

This story was originally published August 7, 2020 at 3:39 PM with the headline "California releases new guidance for colleges, universities: Meet these conditions to reopen."