Competitions may be on the shelf for the next two weeks; however, even under the High Risk (Red) levels, Central Peninsula high schools continue fall sports practices under tight restrictions and protocols.
All athletic competitions on the Central Kenai Peninsula and all competitions involving Central Peninsula schools were suspended Tuesday due to the current risk level (red) based on the district’s 14-day risk level count. A COVID-19 positive test count of 14 on Tuesday pushed the Central Kenai Peninsula into the High “Red” Risk Level for the first time in the current reporting period.
Teams are allowed to continue practice sessions under guidelines established by the ASAA Return to Play protocols and guidelines established by each individual high school.
Below is a sample of a High Risk (Red) mitigation plan (courtesy of Soldotna High School)
- General Conduct
o Outdoor practices are preferred with 10’ maintained between all individuals
o Indoor practices may occur with the following protocols in place
- Single entry/exit point
- Isolate practice area from rest of facility
- Individual skill development and conditioning only
- No contact, must maintain 10’ between all individuals
- No shared equipment (wrestling mats are not considered equipment)
- Screening of all participants must still occur
- Facility Cleaning
o Cleaning and disinfecting must be conducted in compliance with CDC protocols or, in lieu of performing the CDC cleaning the facility maybe shut down for at least 72 hours followed by disinfecting of all common services.
- Facility and Equipment
o Facilities should have visual indicators of proper distancing
o No sharing of equipment
o Hand sanitizer should be plentiful and available to all participants.
o Indoor – Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air. Open windows and doors when feasible.
- Face Coverings
o Cloth face coverings by participants must be used when not engaging in vigorous activity.
o Coaches must wear cloth face coverings.
- All tier levels can hold practice sessions following these mitigation guidelines under red.
Under the current KPBSD mandate, fall sports programs are limited to practice only through Labor Day weekend, with a re-evaluation scheduled for September 8th. The KPBSD has the ability to adjust and re-evaluate at any time.