BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — During his COVID-19 update Tuesday Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced nine youth sports teams in the county are currently on pause due to COVID-19.
New York State announced January 22 high-risk sports could resume as early as February 1 with clearance from local heath departments.
In that announcement updated guidance on youth sports was issued, which included a 10-day pause for any moderate or high-risk sport with a positive COVID-19 case among athletes and/or coaches.
According to Poloncarz, the following programs are on pause:
- Hockey: Williamsville East HS, Depew HS, Orchard Park HS and West Seneca Wings 16U
- Bowling: Hamburg, Lancaster and Grand Island HS
- Soccer: WNY Flash 07
- Basketball: Orchard Park HS
"There's a lot of folks out there who are saying 'you can't catch it playing sports,' we know that's not the case," said Poloncarz. "We want everyone to be safe, that's the most important thing, we want people to be safe. We don't want to see any child, parent or coach catch COVID-19 because of cross field transmission so to speak."
Covid-19 can be transmitted playing sports.
— Mark Poloncarz (@markpoloncarz) February 9, 2021
Coaches and parents must set the tone for health.
Role model good health practices, remain cognizant of wearing mask and social distancing, during team meetings and off-field team activities. pic.twitter.com/Tu5Ay4Doms
