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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released new guidance documents providing information and restrictions for youth sports. To help slow the spread of COVID-19, CDPH has effectively suspended youth sports, including school-based, club, and recreational youth sports. The newly released guidance will allow for youth sports training, conditioning, and physical education under specific circumstances outlined in the guidance documents. 
 
Guidance and more information can be found in the youth sports guidance document available online at: https://files.covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-youth-sports--en.pdf. Further guidance released by CDPH can be found online at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Guidance.aspx. 
 
“Tulare County continues to experience increases in the number of new cases and hospitalizations related to the spread of COVID-19,” shared Dr. Karen Haught, Tulare County Public Health Officer. “Team and group sports draw people together from multiple households, posing a risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-19.” 
 
The guidance for youth sports establishes a consistent set of rules that apply to all youth sports programs — including school-based, club, and recreational programs. Outdoor and indoor sporting events, assemblies, and other activities that require close contact or that would promote congregating, such as tournaments and competitions, are not permitted at this time. Youth sports and physical education are permitted only when physical distancing of at least six feet and a stable cohort of participants, such as a class, can be maintained. Activities should take place outside to the maximum extent possible. Adult, amateur team sports also not permitted.  
 
CDPH has provided a Youth Sports Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, available online at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx. 
 
To reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Tulare County, officials strongly urge everyone to practice both social and physical distancing of six feet or more between persons. Residents must always wear a face mask or covering while in environments where physical distancing is not possible and while in public settings. More importantly, residents should not participate in social gatherings of any kind, as a large number of the COVID-19 cases in Tulare County stem from exposure through gatherings that occurred beyond a single household.    
 
In addition, everyone is encouraged to frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces, and stay home if you are sick or instructed to isolate/quarantine by a medical or public health professional.  

For more information about COVID-19, visit www.tchhsa.org/ncov and www.covid19.tularecounty.ca.gov