4 COVID Cases Tied To Potomac Soccer Association Game: Officials

ROCKVILLE, MD — At least four COVID-19 cases have been tied to a recent youth soccer match, according to Montgomery County's top health official.

At a media briefing on Wednesday, health officer Dr. Travis Gayles said the COVID-19 outbreak involved a youth soccer club and a school team. He did not say which school the team came from, but said the youth soccer club was part of the Potomac Soccer Association.

"We were notified of some cases at the end of last week," Gayles said. "As a result of those conversations and contact tracing investigation, we have placed approximately 35 individuals on quarantine status, secondary to that potential exposure."

Gayles said he was only aware of four confirmed cases. Two of them were linked to the Potomac Soccer Association.

"If we identify others who test positive, we will make the necessary recommendations to them as well as to any teams around suspension of activity, as well as any schools that need to take further action if any of their other students or staff may have been exposed," he added.

A sport's risk is determined by the Maryland Sports Commission Return to Play Committee Report. In Montgomery County, only low- and medium-risk sports are permitted. That includes soccer, golf, archery, bowling, and swimming.

Children under the age of 18 don't need to wear masks while playing sports. Adults, however, cannot take off their masks unless they're exercising outdoors.