CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago Public Schools announced additional coronavirus guidelines for student athletes.
In a letter sent out Tuesday by Chicago Public Schools, all student-athletes in grades 5 through 12 will be required to either submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or be tested weekly for COVID-19 while their sport is in season.
Currently, children ages 12 and up are eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID vaccine.
According to the district, any children who are vaccinated against COVID will be exempt from the routine COVID-19 testing requirement.
“Through vaccinations and regular testing, we can prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our student athletes while allowing them to participate in the activities they so dearly love,” the district said in a statement.
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Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said, "54 percent now of Chicago's 12- to 17-year olds have gotten a first dose, and about 43 percent have completed that vaccine series.
"The children here, again 0 to 17, continues to have a very, very, very low hospitalization rate, which is obviously reassuring; and then similarly, if you look at deaths, really the children don't even turn up."
There are about 340,000 CPS students.
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In addition to vaccinations or testing, masks will be required for indoor sports.
Meanwhile, the Illinois High School Association has not put a similar rule in place, but in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Public Health has announced that all participants in indoor sports, as well as all coaches, officials, and fans, should wear masks. Participants, coaches, officials, and fans in outdoor sports will not be required to wear masks at this time, IHSA said.
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