COVID outbreak in close-contact sports leads to more restrictions
Published 1:30 am Friday, December 17, 2021
The state Department of Health is updating the health and safety requirements for high contact indoor sports in the wake of a multi-school, multi-county outbreak.
The outbreaks are linked to a series of wrestling tournaments held in early December and are linked to an estimated 200 COVID-19 cases, per a DOH news release. Genomic sequencing recently confirmed at least three cases are omicron.
High schools in Kitsap and Mason counties have already canceled or postponed several wrestling and basketball competitions in the last couple weeks, either due to COVID issues within teams or in response to the wrestling outbreak.
Bainbridge High School decided not to have its wrestling match last week, and North Kitsap wrestling coach Robert Gomez said the Vikings won’t attend the Gutcheck wrestling tournament on Dec. 31 in Kent.
DOH is changing the existing guidance by adding the following health and safety measures for all indoor, high-contact sports and activities (basketball, wrestling, water polo and competitive cheer), effective immediately:Required testing of all athletes, coaches, trainers, and support personnel, regardless of vaccination status.
Increased testing frequency to three times per week. Among those screening tests, at least one must occur no sooner than the day before the competition; ideally, and whenever possible, the day of the event.
In addition, DOH wants to remind people of existing requirements for all K-12 sporting events that help keep athletes, staff and families safer when attending these events:All indoor event spectators must wear masks and should distance from other families or households to the degree possible.
Mask wearing is required among all athletes, coaches, trainers, and support personnel in indoor public spaces except when actively competing.
Referees must wear masks except when actively officiated and running.
DOH also recognizes some of the affected local health, education, or athletic leaders are choosing to postpone or cancel sporting events or pause sporting activities in order to stop further spread of the disease. There may be differences in how these activities are handled, so it encourages people to be patient with any potential process or scheduling changes at the local level.
“Omicron is a game-changer, but we know layered prevention measures slow the spread of COVID-19 in sports, schools, and communities.” said Lacy Fehrenbach, deputy secretary for the COVID response. “Please get vaccinated, boosted, wear a well-fitting mask and maintain your distance to help our kids stay healthy, stay in the game and stay in school.”
