Public Health Offers COVID-19 Safety Guidance for Mid-term Break Activities

11 October 2021, 05:59 AM

Covid 19

Following the announcement by the Department of Education Services that mid-term break has been brought forward for public schools, Public Health officials are providing COVID-19 safety guidance for camps and sporting events planned for students during the break.

“We recognise that during this period of extended break from school, parents will seek to have their children participate in extracurricular activities to occupy their time safely and wisely. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no ‘zero risk’ when it comes to any kind of public gathering; however, guidelines can be followed to mitigate the spread of the virus” said Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, Medical Officer of Health.

The Public Health guidelines for youth activities are as follows:

If your child is sick, please keep him or her at home and contact the Flu Hotline if he or she has any flu symptoms.
Close contact or indoor sporting activity is discouraged; however, wearing a mask, playing outside and staying at least six feet away from others must be considered.
For close contact sports (i.e. basketball, football, netball) play can be modified by the coach to increase distance between players. Activities such as skill building (dribble, pivot), simulation drills or conditioning is highly encouraged.
Discourage unnecessary physical contact, such as high fives, handshakes, fist bumps, or hugs. Encourage a “thumbs up” instead.
Use household cleaners that contain soap and detergent on play/sporting equipment to reduce the amount of germs on surfaces.
Focus cleaning efforts on high-touch surfaces and objects such as, drinking fountains, balls, bats, gymnastics equipment, and protective gear.

Dr. Williams-Rodriguez added, “We understand wholeheartedly the anxieties and many uncertainties being faced by parents during this time. I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that their safety remains a top priority as we continue to adapt best practices to mitigate continued spread of COVID-19 in our community. We encourage everyone to adhere to the public health guidance provided.”

For further guidance on coping with COVID-19 in the community, please contact the Public Health Department on 244-2632 or visit www.exploregov.ky/coronavirus-resources

If you have flu symptoms, please contact the Flu Hotline on 1-800-534-8600 or 345-947-3077or at flu@hsa.ky

(GIS)