Washington adopts new rules for high contact youth sports after COVID outbreak

State health officials issued new rules for high contact indoor sports after several wrestling teams across multiple schools and counties were involved in a COVID-19 outbreak.

The new measures apply to all indoor, high contact sports, including 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. At least one test must occur no sooner than the day before a competition; ideally on the day of the event.

Additionally, the state Department of Health reminds people that all K-12 sporting events require that spectators at indoor events must wear masks and maintain a safe distance. Mask wearing is required among all athletes, coaches, trainers, and support personnel in indoor public spaces, except when actively competing. Referees must also wear masks except when officiating and running.

“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-19 response, in a news release. “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.”

“Vaccinations, in addition to testing and masking, will help keep our athletes healthy and allow everyone to continue to enjoy sporting events while also limiting the spread of disease,” said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, chief science officer, in a news release. “Getting a booster will make protection against the omicron variant even stronger. The booster vaccine is now available for everyone 16 years and older.”

The Pfizer vaccine is now available for children as young as 5 years old.

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