School sports are a wonderful way for kids to get some much needed physical activity and fun time away from screens. Children learn many helpful life skills and make life-long friends thanks to school sports. Unfortunately, almost nothing has been left unaffected by COVID-19, including school sports. As the upcoming school year is quickly approaching parents are starting to wonder if their kid will get to play at all. There’s no simple answer to that question, but we want to help you understand what to expect!
Will Your Child Get to Play Sports This Year?
There is no simple yes or no answer to this question because it changes greatly depending on where you’re located. Some states have already seen the peak number of cases and are now on the decline, while others are still seeing rapidly increasing amounts of community spread with COVID-19. This site is a helpful tool that provides the latest information on a state by state basis. You should continue to check for the latest info on your state since COVID-19 stats are constantly changing. You can also contact your school board or local health department to ask what their plan is regarding school sports this year and how they intend to keep the children safe while they play.
How to Keep Your Child Safe While They Play
If your child’s school is allowing students to play sports, there needs to be precautions taken. The majority of states are enforcing a mask wearing policy during sports since children will be in close physical contact. If social distancing is possible, that’s even better! Any child that plans to play this year should get a sports physical before the season begins. A sports physical will evaluate your child’s overall health and determine if they’re healthy enough to play. If your child has a known health condition that puts them in a high-risk category for COVID-19, it would be best for them to sit this season out.
Parents are also encouraged to get their child tested for COVID-19 before the start of the season. A COVID-19 test looks for an active case of COVID-19. If your child tests positive, they should be kept at home and away from other students. Your child can also be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. An antibody test will tell you if your child has been exposed previously and has some immunity to the virus, although it’s not clear how long that immunity lasts.
For all of your sports physical and COVID-19 testing needs, contact your local urgent care center today! Urgent care centers are designed to provide high quality care in a convenient and affordable location – just what every parent needs!
