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ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said more than half of the conference teams had passed the 85% vaccination threshold, but added that there was still no decision on whether matches affected by COVID-19 would be rescheduled or lost.
“There is no doubt that increasing the number of vaccinations will provide the best chance for our teams to compete,” Phillips said during the CCA media days on Wednesday.
Phillips referred to the NC State baseball team, which was forced out of the College World Series in June after several players tested positive for COVID-19, saying, “It would break my heart, like this did it this summer, if any of our students – athletes or teams miss a game due to COVID-19 protocols and contact tracing. “
The ACC medical advisory group is due to meet and will provide updated protocols for testing and contact tracing in the coming weeks, Phillips said. He said the decision to wait before determining the impact of positive tests on gaming is to collect more information and learn more about the behavior of the Delta variant.
While a handful of ACC schools lag behind in immunization rates, several private institutions have campus-wide immunization mandates, while others are “on the verge” of reaching the threshold. by 85% that allows teams to avoid regular COVID-19 testing and have to wear masks indoors. Phillips said immunization warrants are at the discretion of schools.
“Personally, I think vaccines are essential for the protection of everyone and the goal of eliminating COVID-19 and its variants,” he said, “but I also deeply respect the fact that this is is a personal choice “.
The CCA is working with the Ad Council to create a public service announcement promoting vaccinations, and Phillips said schools have provided information to athletes on the benefits of the vaccine.
In his comments at the CCA’s annual launch event, Phillips also touched on the expanded playoff proposal, which remains under review. Two of the league’s most prominent coaches – Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and North Carolina’s Mack Brown – have expressed concerns over a proposed 12-team model, saying their teams are against playing extra games.
Phillips said ACC coaches will meet on Wednesday to review the expansion proposal.
“I asked our coaches to come together and talk about it and discuss what they thought about it, from too many games to health and safety issues to what it does for the season. regular, ”Phillips said. “Enjoy and read. We’re starting to see it. These are real concerns, but we have to be open to them. It doesn’t mean we’re going to support it, [and their feedback] will certainly influence us. “
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