Storrs — The UConn athletic department announced that its men's basketball student-athletes returned to campus on Friday and that football players will return on July 1.

The women's basketball team was also cleared to return on Friday, but has chosen to return later this summer, according to Friday's athletic department release.

Athletes must test negative for COVID-19 and enter a modified quarantine within small groups before being cleared to begin workouts. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will enter an isolation protocol per medical guidelines.

Athletes who test negative still must pass a physical exam conducted by UConn medical staff and trainers before being cleared to start training.

After that, the men's basketball and football teams will be allowed to take part in voluntary activities, which include use of strength and conditioning areas — which can be observed by strength and conditioning staff — and other facilities without coaching supervision.

"The health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff is our top priority and I am pleased that we will be able to begin the process of welcoming our teams back to campus," athletic director David Benedict said in the release. "The procedures our teams must adhere to are the product of the hard work and expertise of medical professionals on campus and across our state.  I would like to thank everyone involved in the process who helped provide a safe environment for our teams' return."

UConn's re-entry plan for men's basketball and football was submitted to the state's Higher Education Committee as a pilot program, which would allow the university to solidify policies and procedures prior to the general student body's return in mid-August, the release said.

The NCAA has designated July 11 as the date when football can begin on-field activities with coaches present, based on UConn's Sept. 3 first date of competition. The date for men's and women's basketball to begin coach-supervised activities on the court is July 20.

The release also said student-athletes and staff will have daily screening before admittance to facilities, which will include self-screening of symptoms and temperature checks. They will also be provided items and guidelines necessary to participate in team functions (social distancing, wearing masks, hand hygiene, etc.).

In addition, all campus facilities will go through rigorous cleaning and sanitization, with high-risk areas, including locker rooms, strength and conditioning spaces and athletic training rooms, cleaned daily.