Coronavirus Spreading Among Youth Sports Teams In Montco

NORRISTOWN, PA — The coronavirus is spreading among youth sports teams in Montgomery County, where officials said there is an increased risk of transmission of the virus.

Several different teams across numerous different leagues and different sports have seen positive cases, contact tracers found. Team members and coaches have tested positive in outdoor baseball, football, soccer and field hockey, as well as some indoor basketball.

"Many of these individuals developed symptoms within days after the events," Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said. "They were participating while they spread it but didn't know they had it."

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Arkoosh said the nature of some of the events has made social distancing impossible, with players and coaches within 6 feet of each other for extended periods, and players often unable to safely wear masks.

Youth sports leagues were one of the two significant spreaders of the virus in the county noted by officials Wednesday, along with celebrations such as 4th of July parties and graduation parties.

As a result of the virus's spread, and because it's not clear how long positive individuals interacted with members of various teams, the entire rosters of many youth sports teams are now in a two-week quarantine.

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Officials again stressed the importance of cooperating with contact tracing. Arkoosh noted that one youth sports coach did not originally cooperate and provide the names of those he had been in contact with. This person "did not fully comprehend the importance" of the contact tracing process but is now encouraging others to cooperate.

"We deeply appreciate this cooperation and support," Arkoosh said.

Montgomery County has seen 385 cases in the last seven days, a slight increase from the 301 it saw in the seven previous days. The percentage of positive rate on coronavirus tests in the county remains at an "encouraging" 3.47 percent, officials said.