TUCSON, Ariz. – After consultations with the University of Arizona Re-Entry Task Force, Campus Health Services, Pima County Health Department and other local health care experts, the University of Arizona Athletics Department will pause bringing additional student-athletes back to campus. This decision from Arizona Athletics' Re-Entry Planning Team is being made given the increasing surge of positive COVID-19 cases in Pima Country as well as the increased burden on the healthcare system.
 
"Out of an abundance of caution, we have made this decision with campus and community partners to pause our re-entry process," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke. "The health, safety and wellbeing of all members of our community is our number one priority. We will continue to work in conjunction with campus partners and our local government agencies to support and evaluate a safe and healthy return to campus."
 
"Our mission has always been, first and foremost, the safety of our student-athletes, staff and community," said Dr. Stephen Paul of C.AT.S. Medical Services. "Health and safety continue to be the guiding force in our re-entry process. We will continue to monitor the status and impact of COVID-19 in our community and our ongoing and safe training of student-athletes already on campus. Arizona Athletics will assess when to resume its re-entry process in collaboration with the guidelines and protocols of the University of Arizona, Pac-12 Conference, NCAA, and state and local government agencies."
 
The athletics department had one positive test for COVID-19 among the 83 student-athletes who already returned to campus for voluntary physical activities. This individual has entered the department's protocol for positive tests. In lieu of Governor Ducey's executive order announced on Monday, the athletics department will seek additional guidance from state and local government authorities as to whether voluntary workouts will continue.