Press release from the Humboldt County Joint Information Center:

The Humboldt County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is now accepting Reopening Plans to resume some Youth Sports activities with COVID-19 safety precautions in place.

According to the state’s guidance, indoor and outdoor sporting events, games, assemblies, tournaments, competitions and other activities that promote gathering are not allowed at this time, whether teams are from the same school or from different schools, counties or states. Youth Sports are allowed only if physical distancing can be maintained at all times and if activities can be conducted in stable cohorts. Cohorts are limited to no more than 14 children and no more than two adult coaches or trainers. Sports that cannot maintain physical distance at all times are not allowed, but physically distanced training and conditioning can take place with an EOC-approved plan.

In response to questions from the Humboldt County Joint Information Center (JIC), the state further clarified that scrimmages are not allowed even within individual cohorts. Food and beverages should not be shared. While non-school leagues require a Reopening Plan before resuming activities, school-based sports should follow state guidance but are not required to submit a plan to the county.

Additional requirements include the following:

  • Participants should conduct activities outside to the maximum extent possible.
  • They should avoid equipment sharing (Ex: throwing, passing or sharing a ball). If unavoidable, clean and disinfect shared equipment between uses by different people.
  • Facial coverings must be worn during all indoor conditioning and training, physical education classes and other sports activities.
  • High exertion activities must take place outdoors, with social distancing and without facial coverings.
  • Adult amateur sports are not allowed at this time.

Learn more about the Reopening Plan process, and access the form at humboldtgov.org/COVIDReopening. All the information needed to complete the application is included in the online form. For assistance, call the JIC at 707-441-5000. Read the state’s Frequently Asked Questions about Youth Sports at cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Youth-Sports-FAQ.aspx

For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or during business hours by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-441-5000.