The CDC guidelines for fully vaccinated people say: “If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.”
Depending on the number of football players that have been vaccinated, it could help prevent playoff game cancellations.
The UND football team, which hasn’t played a game since March 20, is expected to be in the FCS playoff field when it is revealed at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
Once the NCAA tournament begins, the NCAA is in charge of testing and making decisions on whether a team can play if COVID-19 positive tests arise. Last month, two of the 16 teams in the NCAA men’s hockey tournament were removed because of COVID-19 protocol.
Chaves said he expects to soon find out more on whether fully vaccinated athletes, who have no symptoms, would be exempt from being ruled close contacts.
“We’re still awaiting that right now,” Chaves said. “If we’re fortunate enough to be selected, there’s always a meeting right after the selection show on that Monday. We’ll probably be briefed as to the latest guidance.”
Chaves didn’t share the number of athletes that have been vaccinated, but acknowledged it’s happening.
“Our athletic training group is working with student-athletes,” Chaves said. “Anecdotally, I know we do have a number of athletes that have gone through it. From a specific standpoint, I don’t have a list of all of the student-athletes that have gone through. But if it gets to a point where that is a differential on what may happen (with games), we obviously will know.”
