TRENTON (WBCS 880) — New Jersey will allow some higher risk sports to begin holding practices again.
Sports considered high-risk include football and rugby, boxing, martial arts, wrestling, and cheerleading, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.
On Monday, the governor announced drills and practices could begin again as long as they are held at outdoor venues.
“All sports will have to abide by a number of health and safety protocols, including screenings for athletes, coaches, and staff, limited equipment sharing, and strong requirements for disinfecting and sanitizing equipment,” the governor said.
There will be screenings for athletes, coaches and staff to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There will also be limited equipment sharing and strong requirements for proper disinfection and sterilization of equipment.
“We do feel confident that, in an outdoor setting and with the proper public health and safety protocols in place — and being followed — these sports may resume,” Murphy said.
The guidelines will be specific to the organization involved.
The state's Interscholastic Athletic Association is not requiring face coverings for athletes when they are performing high intensity activities. However, staff and all attendees must wear a face covering.
The governor also announced that children will be allowed to choose an all-remote learning model in the fall, if they choose.
Murphy said the Department of Education would be releasing guidance to allow parents to make the decision in the coming week.
“We want to do it responsibly, we want to respect public health, but we also want to do everything we can to recapture that magic of some semblance of in-person education that no state does like New Jersey,” the governor said.