MDH: Youth sports can resume outdoor activities June 24, indoors July 1
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Minnesota health officials on Friday released new guidance on youth sports amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommended outdoor youth sports activities resume on June 24 or later while indoor activities resume on July 1 or later.
MDH said the guidance seeks to balance goals of minimizing transmission of the virus while still allowing youth to engage in activities that have important physical, emotional and social benefits.
The guidance also outlines preferred times for games and urges teams to not share equipment, fans to social distance and travel to be kept to a minimum.
“It is important that we look for opportunities to allow children to engage in activities that promote health and well-being,” MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. “While several key metrics show COVID-19 transmission is slowing, we are still in the middle of a pandemic. Learning to live with COVID-19 means finding ways to balance risks and benefits, and that’s what we are seeking to do with this guidance.”
Some additional recommended precautions include:
- Avoid sharing individual water bottles, community snacks or towels.
- Encourage use of dedicated personal equipment such as bats, mitts, rackets, etc.
- Find new ways to show sportsmanship – tip your hats instead of handshakes.
- Ensure policies are considerate of staff, volunteers and participants at highest risk of complications from COVID-19.
- Adhere to social distancing recommendations when participants are not playing (on the bench, in the dugout, etc.).
- Practice social distancing of 6 feet from other households during player drop off/pick up.
- Friends and family should not attend practices to avoid crowding.
- Maintain health checks and screening of participants and staff/volunteers.
- Organizations should require participants and family members to stay home when sick.
MDH said the guidance was developed with stakeholders from the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission and the Higher Education Athletic Task Force. The department also said it is partnering with the Minnesota State High School League to develop guidance for schools, which will be released in the near future.