As we get closer to the football season there are many things that are coming to light for many. The state of Virginia has done of a great job letting us know weeks ago the plan for sports were to move forward. Limitations were on karate sparing and ice skating. Other sports such as football they are aware there will be contact and other sports accidental contact. The expectation is there will be football and if things continue for our state as they have then there will be know doubt about football.
Working in health care myself, I get information others aren't able to get. It was very frustrating listening to people when the pandemic first started saying "Don't go outside! However, you can go outside to exercise and to work." If that statement didn't raise any red flags with people then something is wrong with their thinking. Later as everyone was so called bunkered down the cases increased and increased. Cities were like ghost towns as no one seem to understand how the virus was spreading.
Later, evidence started to show that nursing homes, meat processing plants, prisons, and other locations inside were clearly identified as hot spots. Folks were encourage to go outside and exercise but not play sports even though the writing was on the wall. Researchers may not agree but the vast majority of them showed the virus didn't survive well in sunlight and humidity and it strived in the opposite conditions in which those hot spots featured. States started to pay attention , some way too late, and while others didn't act at all.
Our state using the data known to us was smart to require mask inside since 92% of cases are believed to be obtained from being in a dwelling perfect for the virus survival. Since then our numbers have dropped and cities began looking like cities. And as all this positivity was happening something occurred that so called experts said will set back all the efforts of the earlier weeks. Protests.
By the thousands people took to the streets without social distancing, holding hands, and some without masks. The expectations were grim but weeks later, the numbers didn't surge at all in areas where most of these large protests were held. How could this be? Meanwhile other states to the south were rushing to resume their normal way of life. The fear of no unemployment extensions by July 31st appeared to be more of a concern to prepare for than wearing a mask and prevent contracting the virus.
The states down south are now stressed with the virus surging as from Virginia northward the numbers continue to decline. States like New York began to enter Phase II while Virginia prepares for Phase III. Folks questioned why the southern states were surging if its hotter and more humid there? What many had failed to understand was the virus strives inside under air conditioning and poor ventilation. Some so called experts not wanting to admit they were wrong still continued to say "stay inside" which made some think partying inside was better than laying on the beach!
They didn't understand that people on vacation, especially young people who venture to the Miami and Orlando area aren't just going to stay out on the beach or outside in general. Many of the same people hit those exclusive clubs (which shouldn't have been open) with the amazing nightlife entertainment, luxurious restaurants, and other socially engaging spots inside under the cool air conditioning and many with no fresh air filtering in. This is what led and continues to push the numbers up hugely for places like Florida.
Our state is understanding being in the fresh air outside in much less of a risk. Its the reason that a mask isn't required when your outside in public but it is inside. Now many of those states are following Virginia's path. Even though, they don't want to close their entertainment sector we should expect the numbers for those areas to drop. Many sports are set to begin in July and youth sports such as baseball, softball, and soccer are now starting up. The question on your mind is "Will we have a football season though?" The state hasn't said no. And if you understand the data and the evidence, then there is nothing stopping us from having a football season responsibly.
What does this mean and how this can happen? First, you must understand fully how the virus spreads and what we can do to minimize its opportunity to spread.
1. Its a respiratory virus and evidence shows its airborne this is why mask in public places are important. Fans in the stands should expect to wear them especially where the numbers can exceed 750 sitting close.
2. The virus doesn't transmit through sweat. This is why the NBA is confident as well.
3. Airborne particles aren't likely to end up on food and infecting you. Eating at the games will be fine.
4. Being exposed to an infected person in close proximity can infect you. This is why being in well ventilated areas are important. Fresh air is our best defense.
5. Don't touch your mouth and face with your hands! This will likely become very important when it comes to our season.
So how can we play football with the virus being out there? Here are some ways to make it even safer.
- No player should touch their mouth or face during competition for their safety and others.
- Footballs should be wiped with disinfection solution or sanitizers as a precaution whenever exchanged, extended periods (injury/end of quarter/etc).
- When all possible players should wear gloves. Not a requirement but it will definitely help.
- Schools should do game day temperature checks sometime during the school day to ensure the safety of players. Any player over 99.9 should not be able to participate.
- Post game handshakes eliminated or replaced with "air hi-fives or nods and congrats".
- At the game's conclusion all players must use antibacterial/sanitized wipes for hands, arms, etc before entering fieldhouse/locker room/bus
- When possible games November on should be daytime games. Flu season also starts and this should be a smart move.
Tackling is a part of the game and usually lasts a few seconds. The virus isn't contracted by simply touching someone. Its what happens prior to and after that causes the spread with makes the no facial contact important. Examples of what shouldn't happen are Qbs can't lick their fingers before a pass or anytime, players shouldn't be touching their faces at all especially their mouths and that includes messing with their mouthpieces. In fact, all teams should be required to wear breathable mouth guards and are not to contact the part of the guard that has been in their mouth. Nike Hyperflow lip protector is a good example of one.
So yes , we should and will be expected to have football. Let's continue to be smart and football and all the other things we love shall continue.
Working in health care myself, I get information others aren't able to get. It was very frustrating listening to people when the pandemic first started saying "Don't go outside! However, you can go outside to exercise and to work." If that statement didn't raise any red flags with people then something is wrong with their thinking. Later as everyone was so called bunkered down the cases increased and increased. Cities were like ghost towns as no one seem to understand how the virus was spreading.
Later, evidence started to show that nursing homes, meat processing plants, prisons, and other locations inside were clearly identified as hot spots. Folks were encourage to go outside and exercise but not play sports even though the writing was on the wall. Researchers may not agree but the vast majority of them showed the virus didn't survive well in sunlight and humidity and it strived in the opposite conditions in which those hot spots featured. States started to pay attention , some way too late, and while others didn't act at all.
Our state using the data known to us was smart to require mask inside since 92% of cases are believed to be obtained from being in a dwelling perfect for the virus survival. Since then our numbers have dropped and cities began looking like cities. And as all this positivity was happening something occurred that so called experts said will set back all the efforts of the earlier weeks. Protests.
By the thousands people took to the streets without social distancing, holding hands, and some without masks. The expectations were grim but weeks later, the numbers didn't surge at all in areas where most of these large protests were held. How could this be? Meanwhile other states to the south were rushing to resume their normal way of life. The fear of no unemployment extensions by July 31st appeared to be more of a concern to prepare for than wearing a mask and prevent contracting the virus.
The states down south are now stressed with the virus surging as from Virginia northward the numbers continue to decline. States like New York began to enter Phase II while Virginia prepares for Phase III. Folks questioned why the southern states were surging if its hotter and more humid there? What many had failed to understand was the virus strives inside under air conditioning and poor ventilation. Some so called experts not wanting to admit they were wrong still continued to say "stay inside" which made some think partying inside was better than laying on the beach!
They didn't understand that people on vacation, especially young people who venture to the Miami and Orlando area aren't just going to stay out on the beach or outside in general. Many of the same people hit those exclusive clubs (which shouldn't have been open) with the amazing nightlife entertainment, luxurious restaurants, and other socially engaging spots inside under the cool air conditioning and many with no fresh air filtering in. This is what led and continues to push the numbers up hugely for places like Florida.
Our state is understanding being in the fresh air outside in much less of a risk. Its the reason that a mask isn't required when your outside in public but it is inside. Now many of those states are following Virginia's path. Even though, they don't want to close their entertainment sector we should expect the numbers for those areas to drop. Many sports are set to begin in July and youth sports such as baseball, softball, and soccer are now starting up. The question on your mind is "Will we have a football season though?" The state hasn't said no. And if you understand the data and the evidence, then there is nothing stopping us from having a football season responsibly.
What does this mean and how this can happen? First, you must understand fully how the virus spreads and what we can do to minimize its opportunity to spread.
1. Its a respiratory virus and evidence shows its airborne this is why mask in public places are important. Fans in the stands should expect to wear them especially where the numbers can exceed 750 sitting close.
2. The virus doesn't transmit through sweat. This is why the NBA is confident as well.
3. Airborne particles aren't likely to end up on food and infecting you. Eating at the games will be fine.
4. Being exposed to an infected person in close proximity can infect you. This is why being in well ventilated areas are important. Fresh air is our best defense.
5. Don't touch your mouth and face with your hands! This will likely become very important when it comes to our season.
So how can we play football with the virus being out there? Here are some ways to make it even safer.
- No player should touch their mouth or face during competition for their safety and others.
- Footballs should be wiped with disinfection solution or sanitizers as a precaution whenever exchanged, extended periods (injury/end of quarter/etc).
- When all possible players should wear gloves. Not a requirement but it will definitely help.
- Schools should do game day temperature checks sometime during the school day to ensure the safety of players. Any player over 99.9 should not be able to participate.
- Post game handshakes eliminated or replaced with "air hi-fives or nods and congrats".
- At the game's conclusion all players must use antibacterial/sanitized wipes for hands, arms, etc before entering fieldhouse/locker room/bus
- When possible games November on should be daytime games. Flu season also starts and this should be a smart move.
Tackling is a part of the game and usually lasts a few seconds. The virus isn't contracted by simply touching someone. Its what happens prior to and after that causes the spread with makes the no facial contact important. Examples of what shouldn't happen are Qbs can't lick their fingers before a pass or anytime, players shouldn't be touching their faces at all especially their mouths and that includes messing with their mouthpieces. In fact, all teams should be required to wear breathable mouth guards and are not to contact the part of the guard that has been in their mouth. Nike Hyperflow lip protector is a good example of one.
So yes , we should and will be expected to have football. Let's continue to be smart and football and all the other things we love shall continue.