With the recent information from the University regarding the COVID-19 virus, athletics will suspend all athletic activities, effective immediately until further notice. This means no countable athletic activities for the foreseeable future – required lifting, practice, etc. For those teams that are traveling, your coaches will work to get you back to Aberdeen, and you can make the decision to head home or stay in town. For student-athletes who are at home currently, we would encourage you to stay at home during this additional week of spring break and follow the guidelines from the CDC and stay in contact with your respective head coach on when you'll be returning to Aberdeen. As noted below, campus will remain open and residence halls and food service will open starting Sunday evening.
We know this is an extremely difficult time – especially for our men's basketball, wrestling and track & field student-athletes that were about to participate in NCAA Championships, and our baseball, softball, and outdoor track & field student-athletes who were just kicking off their respective spring seasons. Please know that our entire staff and University are here for you and we will share more info as it becomes available. Thank you, stay safe, and please contact me or anyone on our athletics administrative staff at any time.
Best,
Josh Moon
As this situation continues to change daily, we will keep monitoring it and provide updates via email or our
COVID-19 resource webpage. Let's all continue to make safe, responsible health decisions. Here again is our list of best prevention practices:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze (with a tissue or into your sleeve).
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand gel).
- Avoid handshakes; opt for another greeting, such as bumping elbows.
- More preventative information can be found online at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and S.D. Department of Health.
- The CDC website for travelers lists at-risk destinations. (Locations may change on a daily basis.)
- The state now offers a South Dakota COVID hotline: 1-800-997-2880.
