SVHS Sports Covid Protocols Tighten as Cases Surge

Nearly two years on from the first reported Covid case in Wuhan, China, the virus remains the most prominent concern for school administrations.

SVUSD has remained relatively consistent with their protocols, and  a recent surge in cases and the looming threat of the omicron variant has resulted in another restructuring of the school and sport guidelines.

For school sports teams, Covid testing is required every week, and the student-athletes must have a negative test result in order to play. Testing takes place behind the library from 3:00 to 5:00 after school.

 Sophomore boys’ soccer star Roberto Aguilar admits that “it’s definitely annoying to have to wait in the long line” but says he understands that “it’s smart to do with all the stuff going around.”

The basketball teams have been the most affected by the recent Covid trends. Three boys basketball players tested positive during preseason, and the majority of the girls’ team tested positive during November. The team wasn’t able to return until November 19.

Senior girls basketball player Zoe Panelli states that “hopefully the issues are behind us and we can have a normal season,” but admits that it’s difficult when “other teams cancel games because Covid affects their teams too.”

Going forward, players that were exposed to the virus must be tested and self-isolate for 10 days. While this will likely shorten some player’s seasons, it will decrease the risk of widespread virus contraction. The reasoning behind these protocols is that it will minimize case contractions and keep school case numbers to a minimum.