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Student-athletes in both Suffolk and Nassau County have been given the green light to begin playing “high-risk” winter high school sports under the guidance provided by the state Department of Health.
Practices are set to begin on Monday, Feb. 1, with some student-athletes required to get COVID-19 tests when they hit the field next week.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced the season would be going forward late last week, while Nassau County Executive Laura Curran made it official on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
New York State has agreed to provide the tests. Other measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include temperature checks, attendance logs for practices and games, mandated facial coverings, social distancing will be enforced, and there may be a cap on audiences.
Once the state receives the test, they will be distributed to the districts to be used.
Student-athletes have also been advised to continually monitor their health to determine if they develop even mild COVID-19 symptoms, and others will be asked to sign Player Pledges vowing to maintain safe protocols on and off the field.
“High-risk” spots include boys and girl basketball, wrestling, and competitive cheerleading. Their fate had been in the hands of the state until New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo turned it over to local governments and health officials last week.
It is now up to individual school districts to determine whether they want to opt-in or out of the upcoming season.
“The resumption of these activities does not mean that such activities are safe or without risk,” officials in Suffolk said. “Those participating in such activities should assess their individual situation when determining whether to participate.
“Those with underlying health conditions should consult with their medical provider,” they continued. “School districts may also opt-out from the resumption of higher risk sports and recreational activities.”
Complete guidance from the state on the upcoming season can be found here✎ EditSign✎ EditSign.
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