Brookline Drops Ban On Athletics, Citing Hopeful Covid Trends

BROOKLINE, MA — The Brookline Health Department's temporary ban on all recreational and school sports until February has been lifted.

Health Commissioner Swanni Jett said he's ending the ban early because key indicators suggest the overall incidence of COVID-19 in Brookline is declining after reaching an all-time high in late December and early January.

“We will continue to closely monitor the incidence rate of COVID-19 cases in our community,” Jett said in a statement. “I appreciate the patience, flexibility and understanding of everyone in town as we navigate this pandemic and I implore everyone to continue doing all they can to limit the spread of the coronavirus.”

Jett on Jan. 10 had originally asked that all practices, games, scrimmages and tournaments at both public and private schools in town, as well as public and private recreational sports programs be halted until at least Feb. 1.

As of Jan. 26, there were 1,658 people who had tested positive for the coronavirus, up by 46 from Jan. 22. And of those who have tested positive, 90 people have died.

Related:

• Brookline Orders A Pause On Winter School Athletics
• Don't Call Brookline Health Department About Vaccine. Try This Instead
• Moderna Develops Vaccine Booster Shot Against New COVID-19 Strain
• Brookline Restaurant Owners Hope Curfew Lift Signals Turnaround
• Got Questions About The COVID-19 Vaccine: Brookline Health Department Hosts Virtual Forum

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.