COVID-19 Quarantine & Isolation Bulletin Introduction
Areas referenced by this bulletin include:
- Surveillance methods, including symptom questionnaires, clinical evaluations, testing and
contact tracing - Definition of close contact of COVID-19 positive/suspected infection
- Quarantine: 14 days required per current national guidelines, without ability to test out of
quarantine - Return to play protocols after a close contact
- Response to a Presumed Infection
- Definition of a Person Under Investigation, including in the pre-competition, in-competition
and post-competition timeframes - Response to a Confirmed Infection, including both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases
Introduction: This bulletin serves as a supplement to the Big Ten COVID-19 Playbook. Whereas much of the Playbook provides considerations for the Big Ten, this bulletin serves to provide specific requirements, in addition to considerations. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, the bulletins will be updated periodically as new information becomes available, so it will be important to ensure the most recent bulletin is utilized.
This document is meant to guide institutions in the minimum necessary requirements needed to participate in Big Ten athletics during the 2020-21 academic year. We recognize that there is no way to eliminate the risk of transmission of the virus at this time. Even if the interventions contained in the Playbook and bulletins were implemented flawlessly, there would continue to be risk for infection. These standards are intended to increase the likelihood of early identification and help mitigate the potential sequelae. Whereas this bulletin provides minimum requirements, ultimately, each institution is responsible for the health, safety and wellness of its own student athletes and staff and is subject to the restrictions imposed by its individual state and local health departments.