As the medical community continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our society, much of the effort has been spent on how to safely return to a “new normal.” Sports and physical activity are a large part of society. Secondary to this, it is vital that we plan for the safety of each participant in multiple settings.
The St. Louis Sports Medicine COVID-19 Task Force, a collaboration between medical experts at BJC HealthCare, Mercy Health Systems, and SSM Health worked together to provide a set of recommendations for return to youth and high school sports in the St. Louis region.
The recommendations depend on each community meeting gating criteria as stated in the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the White House guidelines for Opening Up America Again. Once met, we recommend 4 phases as below. As each community works through the return to play phases, it is vital that the gating criteria is reviewed and met with each step. Obviously, different communities will be to progress faster than others.
Phases
Phase 1: Groups of only 10 or less people should be at team workouts or practices. Social distancing should remain during these practices.
Phase 2: Team practices can begin. They should be limited to one on one drills and individualized equipment. Social distancing should be in place for most of the practice.
Phase 3: Full team practices and scrimmages can begin.
Phase 4: Full competition can begin, but it should be limited to local and regional teams.
The recommendations include doing a COVID-19 symptom screen prior to any activity start for all athletes, coaches, and officials. This can include a temperature check but is not required. If there is a positive response, the person is isolated, sent home, and asked to seek further care. They are not allowed to return until they have a negative PCR test or a clearance letter from their medical provider. Social distancing during and between activities and hand hygiene is essential. We recommend no use of locker rooms or sharing of water bottles. Practices and games should be spaced out with no spectators at any practices. Face coverings should always be worn by parents, coaches, and officials. Equipment should be regularly disinfected as often as feasible.
To view the entire list of recommendations visit: https://www.mercy.net/newsroom/2020-05-19/st--louis-health-care-systems-collaborate-to-offer-guidance-for-/.
Our task force hopes these recommendations will be used to guide a safe, timely return to sports in Missouri.