The Minnesota Department of Health announced today (December 28) that they will allow high school and youth games to start on January 14. The Minnesota State High School League has also stated sporting events can start on January 14.
Guidance on spectators, and several other requirements are still be solidified, but facemask guidelines have been revealed.
Athletes will be required to wear facemasks except while wrestling, swimming, a gymnastics routine, and some instances cheerleading.
Some of the facemask guidance is below –
Face coverings must be worn by all persons at all times, including practices and, when allowed, games with only the following exceptions.
During wrestling contact, a cloth face covering could become a choking or visual hazard and is discouraged. For gymnastics and cheerleading, if there are concerns about safety in regards to choking or the face covering getting caught on objects, athletes may temporarily remove the face covering during activities such as tumbling/stunting/flying or on certain apparatuses. However, athletes must wear face coverings for all other practices and routines.
Individuals who swim/dive/participate in water sports should not wear a cloth face covering while they are in the water.
▪ Types of face coverings can include a cloth mask, a neck gaiter, a scarf, a bandanna, or a religious face covering. CDC recommends using two layers of fabric when making a cloth face covering. Face coverings that are made of thinner single-layer fabric such as certain types of masks, scarves, neck gaiters, or bandannas may not be as effective for blocking droplets that come out when speaking, coughing, or sneezing and should not be used unless there are no alternatives.
▪ A face covering must cover the nose and mouth completely. The covering should not be overly tight or restrictive and should feel comfortable to wear.
▪ Any masks that incorporate a valve that is designed to facilitate easy exhaling, mesh masks, or masks with openings, holes, visible gaps in the design or material, or vents are not sufficient face coverings because they allow droplets to be released from the mask.
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