COVID-19 vs. Athletics The Long Beach State University athletics department discuss their COVID-19 challenges they battled to return to competition.
by Cain Hernandez
T
he return to Long Beach State University athletics competing has been a long journey for both athletes and administration. Competing sports teams at the Beach first had to receive clearance from various local health departments. Unlike other Division I schools in Los Angeles County, LBSU had to seek
approval from the Long Beach City health department, another hurdle to putting sports back in action. “I think the biggest challenge has been trying to coordinate so many moving parts,” LBSU Athletics Director Andy Fee said. “We’ve been able to do it, [but] it’s taken a little bit longer for us, compared to other universities.
At the end of the day, we get to compete here for spring sports.” Part of the athletic department’s rigorous safety protocols is mandating all staff and athletes test for COVID-19 three times a week on campus. On Monday, members of the athletic department are given an antigen test, followed by a PCR test, which stands for polymerase
Dirtbags pitcher Devereaux Harrison, as photographed before the pandemic.
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PHOTOS BY CAIN HERNANDEZ
