Now that after school sports are in play, are covid cases being affected? The CDC states, “To decrease your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19, CDC recommends that you do not engage in close-contact sports with people who do not live with you. If you choose to play close-contact or indoor sports, reduce your risk by getting vaccinated when a vaccine is available to you, wearing a mask, playing outside, staying at least 6 feet away from others, and avoiding crowds.” But, it all depends on what sport you will be playing. For example, if you are playing a sport like golf or single tennis, then it is less risky than playing sports like basketball or wrestling. It can also depend if you share your sports equipment with other athletes. However, NEVER wear a mask while participating in water sports such as swimming and diving because wet masks can be difficult to breathe in. Also, be cautious while being outside and wearing masks incase of heat caused illness such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat cramps, heat rash, and more.

7th grader Kamilla Basyrova says that this is her 6th year playing basketball and that her sports facility is indoors. Her Basketball team is named Starting 5.

7th grader Madeline Teague says, “In my dance career, I have taken jazz and tap for about 5 years and my facility is indoors. I dance at a facility named Dance Studio 84. ”

 In conclusion, some of the major ways to stay safe during these COVID times are to:

• Get vaccinated
• Wear a light breathable mask while practicing
• Try to participate in outside sports instead of indoors
• Try to stay at least 6 feet away from others on your team/group if indoors
• Try not to share your sports equipment with others that you do not live with 
• Be careful while playing outside sports with masks on to avoid heat illnesses
• Never wear masks while participating in water sports
• And, if you ever have covid symptoms, STAY HOME!!