Sports OK'd In Riverside County As COVID-19 Cases Drop

RIVERSIDE COUNTY — Youth and adult sports can resume in Riverside County, including high-contact sports like football, it was announced Tuesday.

The loosening of restrictions by the state is due to a decline in the county's coronavirus cases.

“As our numbers improve and kids are getting back in school, we can now start expanding their athletic opportunities as well,” said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County public health officer. “We know our coaches are just as committed to safety as we are, and we can make this work.”

The state issued new sports guidance recently allowing certain moderate- and high-contact sports to begin in counties with an adjusted case rate of 14 cases or fewer per 100,000 residents. The new guidance also applies to adult recreational sports teams, in addition to youth sports.

Riverside County's adjusted case rate dropped to 11.3 cases per 100,000 residents, the state announced Tuesday.

Soccer, football, baseball, cheer and water polo are among the many sports that can resume (see more here). There are some restrictions, however.

Athletic programs must obtain informed consent by the parents or caregivers on the risks of transmission by participating in the sport. In addition, weekly COVID-19 testing for all players and coaches is required for specific groups. Tests and results must be available within 24 hours of competitions, according to county officials.

Competitions between different teams will be allowed if both teams are within Riverside County, or a neighboring county that also has an adjusted case rate of 14 or less where that sport is also permitted. Teams are only allowed to play one game per day, according to county officials.

Youth sports may include observers who are immediate household members during practice and competition. Physical distancing and face coverings must be maintained. Spectators are not permitted for adult sports, including professional sports, at this time, the county said.

“Today’s news is extremely welcomed considering the closure of sports has been very difficult for our students, especially for high school athletes in their senior year,” said Riverside County Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District. “As the county’s case rate and positivity rate decline, remember that getting tested will help us contain this virus and meet the state-metrics to continue reopening and moving forward.”

The daily adjusted case rate is the only metric holding Riverside County back from progressing into the red tier under the state's "Blueprint for a Safer Economy." Read more about that here: Riverside County Inches Closer To Reopening More Biz, Schools