Football fans will have to follow COVID precautions this fall
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Helmets, pads, jerseys and masks: football is back in Columbia, but COVID-19 never went away.
Columbia Public Schools kicked off the season with a football jamboree at Hickman High School on Friday. All three public high schools in Columbia showed out to play a short scrimmage. Athletes and fans were asked to follow some COVID guidelines set in place by the school district
The school district announced this month, it will require masks indoors and that applies to sporting events as well. Players and spectators were asked to wear masks in bathrooms and locker rooms at Friday's event.
David Egan with CPS athletics told ABC 17 the school district strongly encouraged masks outside when social distancing was not possible. Social distancing was also strongly encouraged in the stands.
University of Missouri football fans will have to follow the same COVID policies that are in place for classes and dining halls. Masks are required indoors for everyone regardless of vaccination status and optional outside, but strongly recommended
Christian Basi with MU told ABC 17 the university strongly encourages everyone to get vaccinated because it's the "strongest tool against COVID."
Sara Humm with Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services said although less likely, COVID can still spread outdoors when people are in close proximity.
"We're talking about droplets and so if people were cheering and yelling, and in a very close space not wearing masks you know that those droplets can spread and so even though you're outside that doesn't mean there's zero risks," Humm said.
The health department has released specific guidance on what schools should do to minimize the spread of COVID at sporting events.
"Participation in sporting activities is voluntary and every individual will need to evaluate the risk versus benefits of athletics participation," the document said. "Athletes and coaches who are immunocompromised, or those who live with family members with elevated health concerns, should evaluate associated risks of participation and may choose not to participate."
