Mizzou reverses course, plans to test all student-athletes for COVID-19 as they arrive
The University of Missouri is reversing course and will test all returning student-athletes for the COVID-19 coronavirus as they return to campus for voluntary workouts, a spokesperson confirmed to The Star.
The original plan two weeks ago was to test only those student-athletes who were exhibiting symptoms or were traveling in from areas with a high number of coronavirus cases.
Student-athletes are returning to campus for the start of voluntary workouts, which in some sports start on June 8. Many football players are already on campus as part of their required self-isolation before the workouts begin. On Wednesday, they organized a peaceful walk in protest of racial injustice, with more than 60 registering to vote at the end of the event.
When Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk joined the Paul Finebaum Show on May 22, he stated Mizzou did not plan to test athletes unless they showed symptoms.
“If there are symptoms, then you test,” Sterk said on the show. “At this point in time, we’re not going to be testing everyone as they come in. We could if things change and the validity of the test improves. But our experts are saying it’s better on the prevention side.”
At the time, Sterk also said tests would cost about $65 each.
Mizzou will also take other precautions, including screening to ensure student-athletes don’t arrive with fevers or other coronavirus symptoms.