AAP updates guidelines for kids returning to sports and activities

CHARLOTTE — The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidance for children returning to sports and physical activity, urging eligible people to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and encouraging unvaccinated people to wear masks during many activities.

All eligible athletes should get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, the guidelines say. Once people are vaccinated, they are advised to follow US Disease Control and Prevention guidance for vaccinated individuals, which say they do not need to wear a mask in most situations.

Unvaccinated athletes should wear a mask for all indoor activity except situations in which a mask may pose a hazard. For outdoor activities, AAP recommends that unvaccinated athletes wear a mask while on the sidelines and in all activities involving sustained contact of 3 feet or less.

“Parents and spectators should follow current local regulations for physical distancing and use of face masks,” the academy said in a news release about the update. “Because indoor areas have higher rates of COVID-19 transmission, all spectators, regardless of vaccine status, should consider wearing a face mask during sporting events with limited spacing.”

Because COVID-19 transmission is reduced outdoors, a mask may not be required for all activities that take place outside, the guidelines say.

Additionally, athletes with COVID-19 who display mild symptoms or are asymptomatic are no longer advised to see a doctor for clearance, the academy says; a phone call or telemedicine visit to screen for cardiac symptoms and update record will work, and allow for faster return to activities.

Children and teenagers who have not been consistently active for more than one month are advised to make a gradual return to activity, AAP says. The academy recommends they start at 25% of their usual volume and intensity of activity and increase volume and intensity by 10% per week.

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