The ACC will begin coronavirus testing three times per week during the season as part of an enhanced set of medical protocols, the league announced Friday.
The updated Medical Advisory Group report requires all team members in football, field hockey, men's and women's soccer and volleyball to be tested within three days of game day. In football, one test must be performed the day before kickoff, and must be conducted by a third party the ACC office selects. Another test must be done 48 hours after the game.
In addition, every student-athlete who tests positive for COVID-19 will undergo a cardiac evaluation that includes an electrocardiogram, a troponin test and an echocardiogram before a phased return to exercise. Many ACC schools already had procedures in place to screen for any possible heart issues.
In addition, the ACC has significantly adjusted its game-day protocols to eliminate all nonessential personnel from the sidelines and team auxiliary areas. Anyone deemed essential for sideline access will be required to meet specific and consistent health and safety standards as agreed upon by all 15 schools, including a temperature screening, symptom check, physical distancing and universal masking.
Earlier Friday, Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich confirmed the three-times-a-week testing. He also said that in the most recent testing at Clemson, 622 tests were administered Wednesday and none came back positive.
