February 1, 2021

New Guidelines for Children Returning to Sports after Covid-19

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

Keywords (Tags): children, sports

The American Academy of Pediatrics updated guidelines December 17, 2020 for children returning to athletic activities, including recommendations for cloth face mask use during all indoor sports, except for swimming and diving, cheerleading, gymnastics, and wrestling. Cloth masks are also recommended for people on the sidelines, in locker rooms, and in training sessions. The guidelines suggest that children who have asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 (less than 4 days of fever) complete a brief cardiovascular evaluation with their primary care provider including assessment for chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or fainting. Children with moderate or severe COVID-19 are recommended to see a cardiologist after symptom resolution and before resuming play.

McBride. (Jan 22, 2021). New Guidelines for Children Returning to Sports after Covid-19. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2021.01.013

American Academy of Pediatrics. COVID-19 Interim Guidance: Return to Sports (Dec 17, 2020). https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-interim-guidance-return-to-sports/