Dr. Mandelbaum for U.S. News & World Report: Returning to Sports During the Pandemic
Posted on Jul 23, 2020 12:32pm PDT
RETURNING TO THE SPORTS field as the coronavirus pandemic lingers on has
become extraordinarily complex, depending on who you are and where you
live. Decisions must be data-driven and specific, as change continues
rapidly. Before an athlete S.A.F.E.(ly) returns to play, there are five
basic criteria that must be met:
Intramural and club sports at Mount St. Mary's include rugby, women's
field hockey, flag football and more.
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Assessment. When possible, screening and testing of all team members and staff must
be a priority. This includes testing for fever and other
COVID-19 symptoms. Take folks' temperatures at the field or on the court.
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Maintain social distancing. Players and staff should always
try to stay 6 feet apart, but the type of sport and environment must be considered when implementing
safe and effective social distancing strategies.
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Traveling concerns. Be careful with people who are traveling in or out of town, and be aware
of new people coming and going.
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Face covering. COVID-19 spreads as an aerosol. There is great evidence that wearing a
mask makes a difference.
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Your hands. Wash them frequently – and no high-fives!
With many youth, collegiate and professional sports teams navigating their
way back to some form of training for an eventual return-to-play, safety
is crucial. A few months “off” from many types of athletic
activities can wreak havoc on the body and lead to injury if players jump
back in too quickly or without enough preparation. The good news is that
there are plenty of S.A.F.E. ways to get back in the game.
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