COVID-19 Guidelines Tightened Following Wrestling Event Outbreaks

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Department of Health is tightening up COVID-19 guidelines for high contact indoor sports after a series of outbreaks were linked to recent high school wrestling events.

At last count, the four tournaments were responsible for up to 200 cases across more than 20 high schools, including cases in participants, coaches, family and spectators. To avoid similar outbreaks going forward, the DOH announced Friday it had changed COVID-19 safety guidance for high contact indoor sports, including wrestling, basketball, water polo, and competitive cheer.

The changes include:

• All athletes, coaches, trainers, and support personnel will now be required to test negative for COVID-19, regardless of their vaccination status.
• Testing frequency has been increased to three times per week. At least one test must be taken either the day of an event, or the day before the event.

Following the outbreaks, several schools have already taken the initiative to cancel or postpone similar indoor sporting events. The DOH is not requiring them to do so, and asks that the public understand that each school's response to the outbreaks may be different.

"There may be differences in how these activities are handled, so we would encourage people to be patient with any potential process or scheduling changes at the local level," the agency said.

Among the confirmed COVID-19 cases linked to the four wresting events, dozens were in patients that were already fully vaccinated, and at least three cases have been confirmed to be of the omicron variant. Research into omicron is still in the early stages, but there has been some concern that omicron is more likely to break through vaccination, pushing health officials to rely on increased testing.

“Omicron is a game-changer, but we know layered prevention measures slow the spread of COVID-19 in sports, schools, and communities.” said Lacy Fehrenbach, Deputy Secretary for the COVID-19 response. “Please get vaccinated, boosted, wear a well-fitting mask, and maintain your distance to help our kids stay healthy, stay in the game, and stay in school.”

It is also possible that the breakthrough cases were in patients who were due for a booster and whose vaccine-granted immunity had waned. While researchers try to learn more about omicron, the DOH stresses that everyone should continue to follow existing COVID-19 safety guidance.

“Vaccinations, in addition to testing and masking, will help keep our athletes healthy and allow everyone to continue to enjoy sporting events while also limiting the spread of disease,” said Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, Chief Science Officer. “Getting a booster will make protection against the omicron variant even stronger. The booster vaccine is now available for everyone 16 years and older.”