COVID-19

NPA Athletics COVID-19 FAQs:

1. What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19? 

   • The coach, athletic director, and the athletic trainer need to be notified of any athlete that tests positive for COVID-19. 

   • COVID-19 Positive Athletes without symptoms or mild symptoms:

     1.  Athlete must remain in isolation through Day 5 

     2. All symptoms must resolve and have no fever for minimum of 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before return to sport

     3.  Return to Play Form signed by parent and reviewed by athletic trainer (NO PHYSICIAN CLEARANCE REQUIRED)

     4. NO RETURN TO PLAY PROGRESSION REQUIRED (but still recommended from Day 6-10)

     5. Mask worn from Day 6-10 while athlete returns to full practice participation

        • If an athlete is not able to wear a mask as described above, they should NOT return to practice and games until Day 11

     6.  Game eligible on Day 11

   • COVID-19 Positive Athletes with moderate to severe symptoms:

     1.  Moderate symptoms are defined as: fever for 4 or more days and/or continued symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue that interfere with daily and sports activities for 5 or more days

     2. Athlete must remain in isolation through Day 5

     3. All symptoms must resolve and have no fever for minimum of 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before return to sport

     4. Return to Play Form signed by parent and qualified medical professional (preferably the primary care physician)

     5. Once the athlete is cleared by a qualified medical professional,  a 5-DAY RETURN TO PLAY PROGRESSION REQUIRED

        • If prior to Day 11, athlete may return to practice to begin the progression in a mask through day 10

        • If on Day 11 or later, athlete may return to practice without a mask to begin the progression

     6. Mask worn from Day 6-10 while athlete returns to full practice participation

        • If an athlete is not able to wear a mask as described above, they should NOT return to practice and games until Day 11

     7.  Game eligible on or after Day 11 once the progression has been completed

2. How long is “isolation”?

   • Isolation means staying home and avoiding contact with others where possible. Isolation for an athlete that tests positive is 5 days from the onset of symptoms. If asymptomatic, it is 5 days from the date of the positive test. It is recommended that they continue social distancing and wear a mask for an additional 5 days (10 days from symptom onset or positive test).

3. What if an athlete is fully vaccinated or up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccination?

   • Vaccination status no longer determines isolation or quarantine guidelines

4. Who is considered a “close contact”? What does it mean to have had an exposure with a person?

   • Individual (mask or no mask) who has been within 6 feet for greater than 15 minutes (does not have to be consecutive) with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 (with our without symptoms)

   • Individual has had direct physical contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 (with our without symptoms)

   • Individual has had direct exposure to infected bodily fluids from a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 (with our without symptoms)

   • *Period of contact occurred from 2 days before symptom onset or positive test (whichever is first) until that individual meets criteria for discontinuing home isolation*

5. Do I still need to quarantine if I have been exposed or in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19?

   • No; according to the current CDC recommendations, a quarantine is no longer required for those who have been exposed/in close contact

   • Continue to monitor for symptoms over a 10-day period (if symptoms develop, follow protocol for a COVID-19 positive individual)

   • Get tested on Day 6 after exposure, even if no symptoms develop

   • If an athlete has been exposed or in close contact, they may continue to participate in sports activities, but should wear a mask regardless of vaccination status for all indoor activities through Day 10 after the exposure date

6. Who is REQUIRED to get physician clearance to return (after their 5-day isolation)?

   • Any athlete who had moderate to severe symptoms

   • Return to Play Form can be found below

7. Who is REQUIRED to complete the Return to Play (RTP) progression?

   • Any athlete who had moderate to severe symptoms

   • The RTP progression is included on page 2 of the Return to Play Form

8. Why is the Return to Play (RTP) progression REQUIRED for those who had moderate to severe symptoms? 

   • The AIA has recommended physician clearance and a return to play progression for these scenarios because individuals who have had COVID-19 are at risk of developing severe cardiac complications (like myocarditis) that can affect participation in sport. Gradually introducing activity will allow for healthcare providers (including the athletic trainer) to monitor cardiac-related symptoms to ensure a safe return to play.