PIERRE – Safety protocols that existed last school year due to COVID-19 will not be enforced this year in South Dakota as the fall sports seasons begin. That decision was made Thursday at a South Dakota High School Activities Association Board of Directors meeting.
SDHSAA Executive Director Dr. Dan Swartos said, “We’re planning on moving forward as a normal year.”
There will be specific protocols for student-athletes who test positive for COVID-19. Infected athletes will be required to isolate for 10 days, in accordance with guidelines by the South Dakota Department of Health. An athlete must consult with a clinician, undergo cardiac testing in the event of clinical concerns, cannot exercise for three to five days while in isolation and use progression of exercise based on symptoms. Before returning to play, an athlete must then have a normal COVID-19 test and fill out a return to play form. Also, the school and student will be asked to monitor for any new possible cardiopulmonary symptoms.
For those with moderate infections, protocol will include a medical evaluation before a return to exercise, possibly including an EKG, echo or troponin test. Exercise progression cannot begin until the moderate symptoms are resolved.
An athlete who has a severe illness or is hospitalized would require a comprehensive medical evaluation with a recommended cardiology consult before that athlete could resume exercise.
Swartos said that contact tracing is being left to schools and that last year’s competition protocols could be implemented again if the COVID situation within South Dakota becomes dire.
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