In light of the the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s announcement to suspend all winter sports in response to concerns with the coronavirus pandemic, MHSAA executive director Mark Uyl released a video to discuss the decision.
“Earlier today, the MHSAA has made the very difficult decision to suspend all winter tournament events, effective immediately,” Uyl said to open the video. “This is because of the new information we’ve received over the last 48 hours from the governor’s office, from the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as being contact with our superintendents group, principals group, as well as all of the other sports leagues at various levels.”
Uyl also stressed during his 70-second address that this is a “suspension" of all winter sports tournaments and that revaluations will be necessary.
“More information will be forthcoming in the next few days,” Uyl said. “Please understand that with all of our winter events, our athletes, out coaches and our spectators that this is a suspension of our winter tournaments. We just don’t have enough information at this time -- and the information we do have is rapidly changing. So, this suspension should give us some time to see where the dust settles in a few days, and further information and updates will be coming at that time.”
The initial suspension tweet by the MHSAA called it a “pause” in postseason action, although no information on a time to resume has been given.
PREVENTION TIPS
Michigan’s State Emergency Operations Center is coordinating state-government resources and the response to the coronavirus spread. It has shared the following tips:
What you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases:
- Always cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
- Stay home if you are sick and advise others to do the same.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and warm water are not available.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (computers, keyboards, desks, etc.).
It’s not too late to get your flu shot! While the influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season.
For statewide and national information on the virus, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus or CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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