Two California high schools have confirmed that they canceled football games because of COVID-19 cases among students.
Esparto High School near Sacramento confirmed that it canceled a game after it stated that six players tested positive for COVID-19. It also stated that multiple players were also injured and that it didn’t have enough players for a game.
This comes as there have been concerns that virus-related rules might be reimplemented in the coming months.
“Ensuring the well-being of students is not only a moral obligation but also a legal and ethical responsibility,” district Superintendent Christina Goennier told affiliate station FOX40.
Dr. Aimee Sisson, the Yolo County health officer, told the outlet that she supports the move.
“Our role in the health department is to support our schools in being able to stay open for that in-person instruction,” she said. “We provide support certain tips on what to do when there are cases provide testing resources. But really our goal for this school year is to keep kids in school in person, but also to do so safely.”
Hundreds of miles away, a high school north of Los Angeles also confirmed to local media outlets that it canceled a football game against a rival school after multiple COVID-19 cases were confirmed among its players.
“We have an outbreak,” Santa Paula Assistant Principal Daniel Guzman told the Ventura County Star. “The number is rising.”
Mr. Guzman was referring to multiple cases among its football and cheerleading squads.
“Football is part of our little town’s DNA,” he said. “[But] student safety is a priority above all.”
The cancelations come as a public elementary school in Montgomery County, Maryland, stated that it reinstated mask requirements for “students and staff in identified classes or activities” after several students tested positive. Officials said it would involve a kindergarten class.