January 19, 2022
Dear Club and League Representatives:
Michigan continues to see a surge of COVID transmission. The omicron variant appears to spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. The CDC expects that anyone with the omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or do not have symptoms.
CDC is now providing advice about masks for people to learn more about what type of mask is right for them depending on their circumstances. Masking is one tool used for preventing the spread of COVID-19. CDC continues to recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status. In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, MSYSA encourages participants, team officials, referees and/or spectators to monitor their health daily and be alert for COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. In addition, practice social distancing of 6 feet between people who do not live in your household when and where possible and maintain proper hygiene habits by washing hands often and covering coughs/sneezes. Those who contract COVID-19 should now isolate for at least five (5) full days, regardless of vaccination status. Please carefully read and review CDC’s Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines for detailed information.
In closing, MSYSA is not requiring athletes, team officials, referees, or spectators to wear facial coverings during MSYSA affiliated activities. However, according to CDC guidelines, participants should wear a mask for the 10 days following an exposure to COVID-19 (or for the 5 days following isolation) or are encouraged not to participate. Further guidance can be found in our return-to-play (RTP) chart. Please also be aware that indoor gyms and/or indoor facilities, etc., may be subject now, or in the future, to local health department (LHD) orders/requirements, or have masking policies of their own, that could potentially apply to participants, team officials, referees and/or spectators.
Please continue to monitor our website and/or social media platforms for updates.
Sincerely,
Thomas Faro
Executive Director
