Planning To Reopen - Phase 2 Organized Sports

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Along with businesses, Phase 2 of Governor Charlie Baker's plan to re-open the Commonwealth also addresses changes to restrictions on organized adult and youth sporting activities. For those of us who enjoy competitive team sports this is welcomed news! The following highlights the changes outlined in the Governor's COVID-19 Order No. 35.  

As always, work with your local health officials to determine a set of strategies appropriate for your community’s situation.

(See our "Planning to Reopen series of blogs for more information regarding CDC, EPA, FDA, and OSHA safety requirements). To review the administration's reopening guidance from the state click here. To view Governor Baker's full report click here).

According to COVID-19 Order No. 35 the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (“EEA”) shall issue guidance to implement these directives and all generally applicable COVID-19 workplace standards for organizers of youth and adult sports programs and operators of facilities that host those programs.  Organizers of youth and adult sports programs shall follow the EEA guidance; provided, however, that when the program is governed by formal league rules or other binding agreements or affiliations, the organizer shall comply with any COVID-19 and other health and safety rules applicable under those authorities.  The requirements of items (1) – (4) below shall apply in all circumstances.

Amateur Sports

According to COVID-19 Order No. 35 effective immediately, organizers of sports activities and programs for youths and adults and facilities that host such programs or activities may open their premises to employees to begin preparations, consistent with the provisions of Section 1, for authorized Phase 2 activities.  In addition to complying with generally applicable COVID-19 workplace safety rules, organizers of sports activities and programs for youths and adults and facilities that host such programs or activities shall be subject to the following directives during Phase 2:

1. Programs for contact sports must limit activities exclusively to no-contact drills and practices. Programs for no contact sports where ordinary play allows for social distancing may include ordinary play. 
2. Games, scrimmages, and tournaments shall not be permitted for any organized sports activities.
3. Programs must separate participants into groups of no more than 10 participants, including coaches and staff.
4. Indoor athletic facilities shall be open and available exclusively for the use of supervised sports programs, including sports camps, for youths under the age of 18.

We will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC, EPA, FDA, OSHA and the Governor's office to follow as we prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Specialized Training

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal daily cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley today for a free consultation - (617) 332-9000.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!