In preparation of the Spring 2021 soccer season, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer wanted to give a brief update on the latest COVID-19 information as it relates to youth soccer. Please review our COVID-19 Response document and the updates below.
- All coaches, spectators, referees, players should wear masks at all times. The only time when players or referees do not have to wear masks during participation is if they meet an exception in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Order Requiring Universal Face Coverings. Section 3 of the Order provides an exception that allows an individual to remove their mask if wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition, or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition or a disability. Proof of meeting the exception is not required. For fully vaccinated individual's, masks should be worn in public places which includes soccer activities.
- Reduction of quarantine duration for a "close contact" - For an individual who is considered a "close contact" with a COVID Positive case, quarantine should ideally be for 14 days from the last time they had contact with you; however, for individuals who do not develop symptoms, quarantine can end after Day 10 without testing or after Day 7 if a specimen collected on or after Day 5 tests negative on a diagnostic test (i.e., PCR, antigen). Symptoms should be monitored for a full 14 days.
- Elimination out-of-state travel restrictions. The state is no longer requiring that people who are traveling to Pennsylvania from another state, as well as Pennsylvania residents who are returning home from out of state, to test negative for the virus within 72 hours prior to arrival or quarantine.
- Revised maximum occupancy limits for indoor events to allow for 15% of maximum occupancy, and 20% of maximum occupancy for outdoor events, regardless of venue size. Core public health measures such as face covering (mask-wearing), social distancing, and hand hygiene still must be enforced. The 15% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
We will provide updates as information becomes available from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Thank you for your continued support, and good luck with your spring competitions.
Please visit our COVID-19 FAQ's page on our website if you have any further questions.