Health officer orders new COVID rules

OTHELLO – A Central Washington health officer has issued an “order” for coronavirus restrictions at scholastic sporting events in Adams County.

Grant-Adams County Health Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny issued his so-called order Jan. 10, recommending updated COVID-19 rules for scholastic sports. He listed six points of guidance for school athletic and extracurricular events.

Failure to comply will “result in the inability for those school districts to host spectators at their athletic and extracurricular events,” he wrote.

While Brzenzy issued the “order,” state law gives jurisdiction over such decisions to local school boards.

For athletic and extracurricular events, attendance cannot exceed 50% of the venue capacity, or 999 individuals, including athletes, staff and spectators, the health officer wrote. All athletic participants, staff and spectators must adhere to indoor masking guidelines, and the guidelines must be enforced by school organizers.

In addition, concessions can only be consumed in designated areas at athletic events.

At Lind-Ritzville/Sprague events, according to Athletic Director Greg Whitmore, concessions will not be sold, and no food or drink will be allowed in the gym as a result of the recommendation. Spectators will only be allowed to consume food outside of buildings.

Players, officials and event workers can have bottled water, he said.

The health officer wrote that individuals with any symptoms of COVID-19 may not attend athletic events as participants or as spectators. Individuals who have been advised to isolate or quarantine due to infection with or exposure to COVID-19, also may not attend athletic events.

All guidelines for testing and participation in extracurricular activities and athletic events must be followed in accordance with Washington Interscholastic Activities Association requirements, as well, he Brzenzy said, noting he will review the recommendations every two weeks.