Emory University Athletics has been cleared for its spring teams to return to competition.  The announcement was made by Amir St. Clair, Emory Vice President and Executive Director for Covid-19 Response and Recovery, as part of the school's updates to gatherings and allowed activities on campus.

Emory remains committed to having everyone safely back on campus this fall. To achieve this collective goal, the University will begin incorporating expanded levels of activity and programming in measured stages.

While Emory remains in the ‘orange’ operating condition, current COVID-19 indicators have been assessed to support policy expansion within this operating status. Based on the Emory campus community continuing to comply with public health practices and testing protocols, the following outlines initial expanded gathering and activity levels this spring.

 Beginning today, March 10, the following changes will be implemented:

• Emory Athletics at Atlanta will progress to their protocol for the next recovery phase and resume spring intercollegiate competition, beginning with away games and matches.  A comprehensive safety plan, that includes enhanced testing, cleaning, and compliance protocols, was developed in collaboration between athletics and public health groups to help guide and direct a safe return to competition for athletics.
• The indoor and outdoor gathering policy limit will be raised from 10 to 25.  The inclusion of a faculty/staff member present at the gathering or event is at the discretion of the event sponsor. Gatherings are still subject to our other safety protocols, including wearing face coverings, physical distancing, and registering events and activities.
• The visitor policy will be updated to allow for visitors to come to campus to perform in a small, organized social activity in an outdoor setting – i.e. an outdoor performance -- with size limits as outlined above.
  
  "I'm excited to see Emory student-athletes back in their element and be able to do something that they love and that is a big part of their life," said Assistant Vice President of Campus Life/Clyde Partin Sr., Director of Athletics Keiko Price. "I'm happy for our spring sports that they will be able to compete after having their seasons cut short last year.  I want to express my thanks to the Emory administration and to all of those involved in the review process in helping bring Emory Athletics back to competition.  I also want to recognize and commend the resolve of our student-athletes, coaches and staff during what has certainly been a challenging year." 
  
  Emory's first spring intercollegiate competition will see the softball team venture to Covenant College for a doubleheader on Thursday, March 11, starting at 1:30 pm. On Saturday (Mar. 13), the Eagles' baseball squad will square off in a twinbill at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama.  The men's golf team will also be in action this Saturday and Sunday when it plays at the Tiger Invitational in Pinehurst, North Carolina.  Schedules as they stand now for all of Emory's spring sports (baseball, softball, men's tennis, women's tennis, men's golf and women's golf, and outdoor track and field) can be found on www.emoryathletics.com.

In addition:

Beginning March 15:

• Access to recreation facilities currently open on both campuses will be expanded to include all Emory students, both those living on and off campus, who are subject to and in compliance with mandatory screening testing protocols.  Reservations for recreational use at the Woodruff PE Center can be found at this link.

As a reminder, off campus students who access campus for any reason are required to onboard, test weekly, and complete a screening test within 7 days of visiting campus. Students living on campus need to continue testing twice weekly. 

All policy changes undergo a formal review process within the Emory COVID governance model and will continue to be evaluated regularly. As changes are made, each may be supported in new and enhanced ways with differing protocols – all with the purpose of supporting the safest and healthiest environment possible as the University moves forward towards our collective goal for a full return.

For more information on Covid-19 and the Emory community, please go here.