Cal State bans nonessential travel; Sacramento State will let sports play on for now

All California State universities have instituted a travel ban effective immediately due to the coronavirus threat, according to a memo posted Monday by Steve Relyea, the chief financial officer for the system.

The directive bans nonessential domestic travel. Campus presidents are free to determine what that means. The ban extends to the end of May.

“The decision to suspend travel was not an easy one, but we believe it is in the best interest of the health and safety of the Hornet Family,” Sacramento State President Robert Nelson said in a statement. “The coronavirus or, COVID-19, issue is dynamic and evolving, and an extension of further travel cancellations may be necessary.”

For now, Sacramento State athletics programs have been deemed essential, according to baseball coach Reggie Christiansen. However, the school could move to ban spectators from attending games and competitions.

“That has not been decided,” Christiansen said. “(I’m) hopeful fans can at least watch from the parking structure.”

This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 12:42 PM.