COVID-19 Outbreaks Linked To High School Wrestling Tournaments

SUMNER, WA — The Washington State Department of Health is sounding the alarm after discovering multiple COVID-19 outbreaks linked to a series of recent high school wrestling tournaments.

At a press conference Wednesday, Dr. Jeff Duchin, King County's top health officer, said that 82 cases across 20 high schools had been linked to the outbreaks, including cases in participants, coaches, family and spectators. State health leaders warn that that number could shift dramatically as they learn more.

All of the cases have been linked to four wrestling tournaments, each of which took place on Dec. 4. They are:

• The John Birbeck Invitational in Lacey
• Ed Arima Duals in Sumner
• The Lady Jags Kickoff Tournament in Puyallup
• Yelm Girls Varsity in Yelm

The outbreaks are cause for concern across Washington state. DOH officials say there were attendees at these events from high schools in Clark, Cowliz, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Skagit, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston, Whatcom and Yakima counties, plus one high school in Oregon.

Of the patients, at least 56 were fully vaccinated. One had to be hospitalized, but has since recovered and been released. Three of the 82 cases are confirmed to be the omicron variant of the coronavirus, which has been on the rise in Washington.

Over the next few days, local health jurisdictions will be reaching out to other attendees and sending notifications to schools who had wrestlers or coaches at each event. In the meantime, the DOH is recommending that anyone who attended of these events monitor for symptoms and get tested for COVID-19. Anyone with COVID-like symptoms or who tests positive should self-isolate and stay home from work or school.

"This outbreak serves as a clear reminder that COVID-19 continues to spread in our communities," the Department of Health said in a news release confirming the outbreaks. "The best protection against it is to get vaccinated, and then for those 16 years and older to get a booster shot as soon as they are eligible. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and should start their two-shot series immediately."

On top of vaccination, health leaders continue to stress the importance of wearing masks in public and social situations, and practicing safe social distancing where possible.

The DOH has promised to release more information on the outbreak as it becomes available.