[Farm93]

Seems like they are overthinking it.  If a team can't compete, just forfeit the game.

BC

That is essentially what happens AFTER the tournament starts.   Given the finances and exposure for the lower tier conferences the NCAA would rather fill the slot than do nothing if anything happens before the tournament starts.

Imagine - Some low tier conference has a tournament and determines a conference winner a full 10 days before the tournament.  Then 7 days before the tournament, and maybe even a few days before major conferences determine AQs, that low tier AQ announces they have a COVID outbreak.   
Does the 8th place SEC team go?  Or does the 2nd place team from that conference go?

Best to layout the full set of plans in lovely detail now before any of the hypotheticals actually happens.

[Farm93]

Seems like they are overthinking it.  If a team can't compete, just forfeit the game.

BC

That is essentially what happens AFTER the tournament starts.   Given the finances and exposure for the lower tier conferences the NCAA would rather fill the slot than do nothing if anything happens before the tournament starts.

Imagine - Some low tier conference has a tournament and determines a conference winner a full 10 days before the tournament.  Then 7 days before the tournament, and maybe even a few days before major conferences determine AQs, that low tier AQ announces they have a COVID outbreak.   
Does the 8th place SEC team go?  Or does the 2nd place team from that conference go?

Best to layout the full set of plans in lovely detail now before any of the hypotheticals actually happens.