Arkansas announces plan for returning student-athletes to campus, with no asymptomatic testing

The University of Arkansas announced a four-stage plan for returning “student-athletes” to campus. 24/7 reporter Brandon Marcello broke it down and it will not include mass-testing. Rather, only those who are showing symptoms of Covid-19 will be tested when they arrive on campus.

The first group allowed to return are fall sports and men’s and women’s basketball, and they can return on June 8th. The second group can arrive on June 22nd, and includes gymnastics, swimming & diving, and men’s and women’s track & field. The third group can arrive on June 29th and includes incoming freshman for fall sports and men’s and women’s basketball. The fourth group is spring sports and they can return on July 6th.

Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek said the plan follows CDC guidelines and the primary testing will involve those coming from hotspots. The biggest concern in spite of the guidelines is what will happen if/when asymptomatic players spread the virus.