ASHLAND – Southern Oregon University will maintain a no-spectator policy for all home athletics events due to Jackson County's status in the "high" risk level for COVID-19 transmission as designated by the state.

The state announced Tuesday that, due to a rise in cases from Feb. 21 to March 6, Jackson County would enter a two-week cautionary period and needs to bring case rates back down in order to avoid being elevated to the "extreme" risk level. Counties at the "high" level are only allowed 75 individuals at an outdoor venue and "extreme" are allowed 50, including teams, officials and gameday staff.

SOU could reevaluate its spectator policy if the county drops down to the "moderate" risk level.