Clemson football, basketball student-athletes can return for voluntary activity on June 8

Student-athletes for Clemson football, men's basketball and women's basketball are set to return to voluntary activity beginning on June 8.

"We are encouraged to begin the first step in the implementation of our Phase I planning, and appreciate the leadership of our University in helping us prepare for our student-athletes and staff to return in early June," Clemson director of athletics Dan Radakovich said in a press release. "We are confident in our ability to provide a safe environment and have put our energy into that goal. We're encouraged by the progress and remain vigilant as we begin to welcome a limited number of student-athletes back to our facilities."

Student-athletes may return back to the Clemson area as early as Monday while undergoing a period of social and physical distancing -- seven days at home prior to return to the area and seven days in the Clemson area.

Once the period is complete without symptoms, the student-athletes are eligible to begin pre-participation physicals with the school's sports medicine team. This physical includes a test for COVID-19, as well as an antibody test. Student-athletes must complete a daily screening before entering facilities.

Clemson has planned a 3-phase approach to return, with oversight from the university, as well as guidance from local and national health officials and best practices. The first phase is expected to commence in conjunction with Clemson's previously announced Phase I target date.

Phase I includes just those staff members directly responsible for the health and well-being of student-athletes, as well as those preparing facilities for Phase II. Sport coaches are expected to work remotely for Phase I, which will last no fewer than 14 days.

Coaches may begin activity within facilities in limited numbers and employing recommended protocols with objective-based duties no sooner than Phase II. Phase II and Phase III each further integrate staffs and student-athletes, and make adjustments to capacities and group settings, as well as facility access.