Ohio Health Department requires COVID-19 tests before any contact sport competition, including wrestling

In a "Director's Order" from Ohio's Department of Health, signed by Interim Director Lance D. Himes, the state of Ohio is requiring that those participating in contact sports must have a COVID-19 test 72 hours in advance of competition, and the results must be in hand when they arrive at the competition.


Wrestling is considered a contact sport by the Ohio Department of Health. In Himes order, the contact sports are "football, basketball, rugby, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, hockey, boxing, futsal and martial arts with opponents."


Wrestling is a popular sport in Ohio, with participants at the youth, high school, college and international levels.


Media reports indicate that the high school sports community in Ohio have considerable concerns that this requirement may be too costly for them to comply with.

Cincinnati Enquirer: Mandatory COVID-19 testing for Ohio high school contact sports sparks petition, lawsuits

Columbus Dispatch: Ohio high school contact sports unlikely to be played under current state health order

10WBNS: Ohio Department of Health's order for sports angers some parents

EXCERPTS FROM LETTER FROM OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

10. Sector Specific COVID-19 Information and Checklist for Inter-Team Contact Sport Competition

a. Players, Coaches, Athletic Trainers, Support Staff, and Officials must:


iii. Receive a negative COVID-19 test result before traveling to competition; and,


iv. A PCR COVID-19 test must be administered to each athlete and team staff member participating in the competition no more than 72 hours prior to the start of the competition and the results must be in hand prior to the start of the competition; any athlete or staff member testing positive and their entire team and staff are prohibited from participation in the competition; and all participants must remain in isolation with other their teammate and team staff from the time the COVID-19 test is administered until completion of the competition.


v. At all times, adhere to general quarantine by limiting contact with others to only teammates and team staff;


vii. If competition lasts more than four days, administer a second COVID-19 test four days after the first test was administered. A negative test clears the athlete for competition; a positive test prohibits the athlete, teammates and all team staff from continued participation in the competition


ix. Be tested every two days after that for the duration of the tournament.

b. Confirmed Case


i. Immediately isolate and seek medical care for any individual who develops symptoms

ii. Contact the local health district about suspected cases or exposure

iii. Event organizer shall cooperate with health department to identify potentially infected or exposed individuals to help facilitate effective exposure notification

iv. It is recommended that, if possible, test all suspected infections or exposures.

v. It is recommended that, if possible, following testing, contact local health department to initiate appropriate care and exposure notification.

Click for entire Ohio Department of Health Director's Order