New mask guidance for high school sports in Washington
Aug 13, 2021, 12:44 PM
A high school athlete from Utah sports a face mask during warm ups in August 2020. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
The Washington State Department of Health released new mask guidance this week for the upcoming high school sports season.
Washington recommends all people wear masks indoors
It says everyone — all athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and support personnel — must wear a mask while in weight rooms, regardless of vaccination status. Physical distancing should be practiced.
Masks aren’t required for athletes competing in indoor sports that have low or moderate contact, though they are encouraged when practicing indoors.
Masks also won’t be required for fully vaccinated athletes competing in high-contact indoor sports, like basketball or wrestling. Unvaccinated athletes in those sports don’t need a mask as long as they get regularly tested for COVID-19.
When not practicing or competing, universal masking is required.
Masks won’t be required for any outdoor sports of any contact level, but are recommended in settings where unvaccinated athletes, coaches, athletic trainers or support personnel are in close proximity, such as on the sidelines, in a huddle, or in a dugout.
State superintendent: Keeping schools open ‘will be a challenge’ without vaccine mandate
As part of statewide guidance, anyone indoors in K-12 settings, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face covering or mask. That includes coaches, athletic trainers, and other support personnel with sports.
Read the full guidance here.
The KIRO Radio Newsdesk contributed to this report.
