As the cooler months approach when indoor sports and activities begin, the UG Public Health Department suggests that schools not allow indoor sports like wrestling and basketball due to the high level of local spread of COVID-19 and the risk of the virus transmitting into schools.
“As you know, the risk of infection is higher with any amount of in-person learning. Unfortunately, athletics and extracurricular activities increase the risk even more because of excessive inhalation, close physical contact and inconsistent mask wearing,” a statement from the UG Public Health Department said.
If schools decide to allow indoor sports, the health department said it is important for them to take adequate risk reduction precautions, including limiting the audience, monitoring symptoms and quickly identifying infections.