Citrus College athletes are now able to return to campus after presenting a negative COVID-19 test and following proper safety precautions.
Baseball, softball, and swim returned to campus on April 19, a Board of Trustees agenda said. The rest of the sports returned to campus on May 17.
Once their physicals and COVID-19 tests are approved, athletes and coaches can return to campus with modifications, aquatics coach Jennifer Spalding said.
“We’re only allowed to practice once a week, that’s it,” Spalding said. “We’re not allowed to practice more than that.”
The Citrus College Owls website said that the new protocols in place include capacity limits in facilities, face coverings to be worn in all common areas, and daily screening and temperature checks for staff and student-athletes. Increased cleaning and sanitizing measures will also be in place for all facilities.
In regards to her swim team, Spalding said, “They tested a week before they were allowed to be on campus.”
Spalding said that tests were mandatory, even if athletes and coaches received the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Now, when I asked my boss in a meeting before we went back I said: ‘Hey if you’re fully vaccinated do you want us to still get tested?’ and she said ‘Yes,’” Spalding said.
Dean of Athletics Junior Domingo was emailed twice between May 14 and May 21, but has not responded for comment.
The Citrus College Owls website said that spring sports began workouts in mid April, while sports for the fall began in May. The site also said that increased cleaning and sanitizing measures will be in place as well for all facilities.
