CDC addresses heightened risks of COVID-19 transmission in sport and band activities
A recent CDC COVID-19 guidance, published Jan. 13, addresses heightened risk of transmission in school sports and band practices.
“COVID-19 cases are extremely high, and hospitals are seeing increased hospitalizations and deaths across the United States. There is increased risk of spreading COVID-19 while playing close-contact or indoor sports,” states the CDC webpage.
To decrease the risk of catching and transmitting the virus, the CDC recommends not engaging in close contact sports with “people who do not live with you.” Should individuals choose to play close contact or indoor sports, the CDC urges those to get vaccinated, wear a mask, opt to play outside and stay six feet away from others.
“In general, the more people a person interacts with, the closer the interaction, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread,” states the site.
While engaging in close contact activities is “not recommended,” the CDC writes that there are several alternatives that can reduce risk, including prioritizing outdoor instead of indoor activities, “focus(ing) on individual skill-building drills that allow for physical distancing” and putting athletes into small groups that do not mix with others.
The CDC also encourages coaches to consider the local geographic area and where their athletes live. If all athletes live in the same area, there is less risk.
When it comes to tournaments, directors should consider “limiting the number of teams participating at one time or perhaps cohorting teams from the same local geographic area together.”
Participating in band activities, especially those that involve singing, shouting and “vigorous exercise that could lead to forceful or increased exhalation” heighten the risk of transmission.
In order to facilitate safe participation, the CDC suggests schools implement screening testing routinely for “student athletes, participants, coaches, trainers, and other people (such as adult volunteers) who could come into close contact with others during these activities.”
Screening testing should be routinely done “up to 24 hours before sporting, competition, or extracurricular events,” if the resources are available. Without necessary testing resources, especially rapid screening or quantity of tests, there is a greater assumed risk when participating in extracurricular sports.
This guidance by the CDC has been met with criticism across the country, citing that the standards are unrealistic and that the federal agency should not expect Americans to adhere strictly to these guidelines.
Despite the criticism, there is credibility to these assertions. Activities may not cease in spite of the mix of the vaccinated and unvaccinated population; however, the layering of preventative measures statistically shows a decrease in transmission and infection.
Key takeaways provided by the CDC website.
