Utah Cancels Spring Football Practices

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The University of Utah athletic department announced that the spring football practices will not resume next week after spring break concludes.

The decision is in alignment with the Pac-12 Conference members that all Utah Athletics team practices and organized athletic activities will be suspended indefinitely for a period of time in the best interests of the health of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

The Pac-12 announced on Thursday that all intercollegiate athletics competitions by Utah Athletics, the Pac-12 and other athletics organizations have been cancelled.

The university announced on Thursday that they will transition to online instruction beginning next Wednesday.

Spring football practices, which began March 2, will not resume as planned after spring break.

Update regarding #COVID19 and how the Utes will proceed: pic.twitter.com/hk7PISYjc4

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 13, 2020

“We understand the seriousness of this worldwide pandemic and support every measure being taken in the interests of public health and safety,” said Mark Harlan, Director of Athletics. “I also want to acknowledge the extreme disappointment our student-athletes are experiencing as they adjust to the finality of this on so many levels. We will continue to support them in every way while giving them the freedom to make the safest and healthiest decisions for them.”

“The most important priority of Utah Athletics is to safeguard the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans and media. We will continue to monitor all new developments and remain in regular communication with University leadership as we employ the most responsible and cautious approach in alignment with recommendations from state and local health officials.”

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The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.