(WBEN) - After Erie County gave the green light earlier this week, Niagara County Public Health Director Dan Stapleton said moderate and higher risk sports may resume in Niagara County, clearing the way for many high school and recreational sports leagues to begin their season.
Last Friday, the state Department of Health announced that the decision on whether sports such as hockey, football, wrestling, and basketball could start back up would be made by each county’s health director.
“Since the governor’s announcement on Friday, I have been in contact with my colleagues in the other Western New York counties, school superintendents, athletic directors, parents, state health department officials, Section VI officials and so many more to make sure everyone had a clear understanding of the guidelines and what to expect should we move forward with these sports,” said Stapleton, in a statement. “Based on those discussions, I am confident everyone understands the risks involved and the steps that need to be taken to mitigate that risk. And with that, I am giving approval for these sports to move forward.”
All teams must follow the New York State Department of Health's guidance, which states indoor facilities must limit their capacity to no more than 50 percent occupancy and a maximum of two spectators per player. If an athlete, coach or referee receives a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, all in-person team or group activities will have a 10 day suspension. Situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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