Following the lead of other area youth lacrosse programs and the PHM School District, I am writing on behalf of the Penn Jr. Board concerning possible implications of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to our upcoming lacrosse season. Earlier today I sent a message to parents of kids participating in our Winter Workout Sessions at the Elkhart Sports Center to let them know that we would be cancelling the next two sessions to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus from one family to another.
Beyone that, we should prepare for the possibility that the lacrosse season may be postponed, interrupted, or cancelled altogether. We are monitoring the public health news (COVID-19 activity in the state of IN) and the recommendations of our affiliated governing bodies (PHM, IHSAA, IHSLA, INBLA). If our season is altered, we will provide a prorated refund of fees at that time. Below is general information regarding Covid-19 courtesy of the SB Bears Program and a similar communication from their Board to their members.
If there are questions or concerns, please email me at pgillin@hotmail.com or call/text 574-360-1351.
Regards,
Coach Pete
GENERAL COVID-19 INFORMATION AND PRECAUTIONS
COVID-19 is spread person-to-person by airborne droplets cast into the air by coughing, sneezing, etc. This is very similar to the spread of seasonal influenza virus. It can also be spread by touching an infected surface, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Airborne droplets travel less than 6ft and do not linger in the air. Most individuals (~80%) who come down with COVID-19 will have no symptoms or mild illness. Older individuals, particularly those over the age of 65, and those with chronic medical conditions are at risk of more severe disease. Symptomatic COVID-19 is rare in those under the age of 20 years old.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, feeling tired, and a dry cough. Appetite loss and muscle aches can occur less commonly. It is not common for those infected with COVID-19 to experience headache, sore throat, runny nose, or gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea). This is perhaps a useful way to differentiate COVID-19 from the common cold or flu. Most people show signs of being ill within 4-5 days after being exposed, but it can be delayed by up to 14 days.
If someone believes they may have symptoms of COVID-19, they should call their doctor’s office before taking any other action. This will help make sure that a person is seen in the right place (office or ER) and will allow the office to be prepared for your arrival. It is important that you don’t go sit in waiting room somewhere putting yourself and others at unnecessary risk of spreading illness.
Everyone is encouraged to wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, cover your cough, don’t touch your face. Make sure you get adequate sleep and hydration. If you are sick, stay home – don’t go to school, work, practice, etc. For the time being, it is a reasonable precaution to avoid crowded places, particularly enclosed areas. Athletes should bring their own water bottle to practices and games, labeled with their name to avoid sharing or using someone else’s bottle.
