School sports and other after-school activities will continue at local schools despite a state warning this week that such activities will likely contribute to a spike in new Covid cases that may force students to miss in-person class.
“If schools and other organizations proceed with extracurricular activities, especially as these activities move indoors and individuals are unmasked, they should expect rapid transmission of COVID-19 that will prevent students from participating in in-person learning due to isolation for those that contract COVID-19 and lengthy quarantines for those that come into close contact with infected individuals,” the Monday advisory from the Oregon Department of Education said. “This risk should be clearly communicated to families participating in these extracurricular activities.”
The department recommended schools either pause extracurricular activities or use the same Covid mitigation practices in place during the school day, including requiring masks or face coverings, and screening or diagnostic testing.
Currently, students are not required to wear masks or face coverings while playing sports or performing in theater, choir and other productions. Masks must be worn on the sidelines and when students are not actively playing or performing.
In a letter to parents Tuesday, Christy Perry, Superintendent of Salem-Keizer Public Schools, said activities would continue.
“Currently, we are continuing with our extracurricular activities and are reviewing protocols and safety measures. We will continue to prioritize consistent safety practices for student participants, coaches, staff and spectators, just as we have been doing,” her email said. “Families should be aware of the increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 during extracurricular events, which could result in students needing to quarantine. Any changes or adjustments to our protocols for students and/or spectators will be shared with families.”
-Rachel Alexander
