Pac-12 enters into partnership for daily COVID-19 testing, billed as a ‘major step’ in resuming play

FILE: This Aug. 29, 2019, file photo shows the PAC-12 logo at Sun Devil Stadium during second half of an NCAA college football game between Arizona State and Kent State in Tempe, Ariz. | Associated Press

The league is partnering with Quidel Corporation, a diagnostics company with rapid COVID-19 testing that can produce results in 15 minutes.

SALT LAKE CITY — A partnership between the Pac-12 and the Quidel Corporation, a diagnostics company with rapid COVID-19 testing that can produce results in 15 minutes, was announced Thursday.

“This is a major step toward the safe resumption of Pac-12 sport competitions,” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said in making the announcement. “The availability of a reliable test that can be administered daily, with almost immediate results, addresses one of the key concerns that was expressed by our medical advisory committee, as well as by student-athletes, coaches and others.”

Crucial research data in the world battle with the coronavirus is another added benefit. The testing, as stated in the media release, is expected to make it easier to track the infection and behavior of the virus.

When the Pac-12 CEO Group opted to postpone all fall sports competitions until at least Jan. 1, 2021, the group noted the need for a “more frequent testing, performed closer to game time, and with more rapid turnaround time.”

Daily testing, Scott explained, addresses those concerns.

Machines are expected to be on campuses by the end of the month. Return to competition, though, is less certain. Requisite government approval for contact is necessary and six of the 12 schools currently don’t have it as the pandemic continues.

“This is an opportunity to get our athletes back to activity in a careful and controlled manner while monitoring outcomes,” said Dr. Kimberly Harmon of the University of Washington sports medicine. “It is win-win for athletics and to better our understanding of strategies to prevent spread during sports.”

This story will be updated.

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