Update on new mask policy/summer workout plans from PIAA Executive Director Bob Lombardi

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Billy Splain | July 2, 2020

UPDATE #2

The DoE has released new guidelines https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Guidance/Universal-Masking-FAQ.aspx

Two very important topics with the hot weather are covered.

Does the Order apply to athletes and sports activities?

Yes. Everyone must wear a face covering, such as a mask, unless they fall under an exception listed in Section 3 of the Order (see below).  Coaches, athletes and spectators must wear face coverings, unless they are outdoors and can consistently maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. Athletes are not required to wear face coverings while actively engaged in workouts and competition that prevent the wearing of face coverings, but must wear face coverings when on the sidelines, in the dugout, etc. and anytime 6 feet of social distancing is not possible.

Is it acceptable to remove face coverings when high temperatures and humidity may create unsafe conditions, or simply if the weather is very warm?

Individuals must wear face coverings unless wearing a face covering would create an unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task.   In general, though, face coverings must be worn, even on warm days, if they do not pose a risk to an individual’s health or safety. Mere discomfort is not considered a risk to an individual’s health or safety.

UPDATE #1

If you thought the policy for sports to restart was confusing while trying to come up with a district plan, sit back. We can spin ya one more time. Yesterday the policy on mask wearing in Pennsylvania was adjusted by the governors office and they stated “you must wear a mask when you leave the house.” This of course became a hot topic as many teams had their return plans approved and have begun working out. With this new wrinkle, PIAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Lombardi is trying his best to decipher this new edict, but says “I am tremendously frustrated with the lack of clarification [coming from the Governors office] of what we can offer our schools to do.”

“Yesterday, Dr. Levine, issued an order on behalf of the DOH and Governor regarding the use of face masks. We (PIAA) have fielded several calls on how this may impact your developed Health and Safety Plans for voluntary workouts over the summer months” said Lombardi. “You should be using the plan your district provided and approved. Nothing has changed regarding your plans. If you’re unsure, safe harbor would be to request all involved in the activity to wear a mask. That’s the best information we have been presented at this time. We have been informed that PDE may be issuing updated information at some time today or tomorrow. Our apologies, for not having more definitive information. If we receive more current information, we will provide it to you.”

“If your plan addresses the items listed in the guidance there would be no change in the implementation of the plan. The new mandate really covers from when you leave your home till you get to your workouts which is where your school plan takes precedence.  Take the time to review your plan and how it complies with the new guidance.”

The Secretary of Health’s “new” order includes that masks must be worn when:

·       Outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet from individuals who are not members of their household;

·       In any indoor location where members of the public are generally permitted;

·       Waiting for, riding on, driving, or operating public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service or ride-sharing vehicle;

·       Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank; or

·       Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when interacting in-person with any member of the public, working in any space visited by members of the public, working in any space where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution to others, working in or walking through common areas, or in any room or enclosed area where other people, except for members of the person’s own household or residence, are present when unable to physically distance.

PSFCA Executive Director Garry Cathell spoke with Lombardi for clearance: “Yes, you should be using the plan your district provided and approved. Those plans address the situations that were put out by the PDE regarding returning to sports.”

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