All Athletes Must Wear Face Coverings While Practicing and Competing

On Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that all athletes except swimmers have to wear a mask or face covering while practicing and competing.

According to ABC 12, She issued an order that clarifies action taken last week to allow organized sporting events to continue. While most sports, including high school football, can continue this fall, the athletes participating will be required to wear a mask or face covering.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer:

The COVID-19 virus is easily spread through airborne particles and can affect everyone differently. By wearing a face covering when proper distancing is not possible, athletes will be better protected from contracting the virus and spreading it to family members, frontline workers, and vulnerable populations.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is against contact sports but it's happening regardless.

This is going to be a real challenge for kids that are running up and down the field. Once in a while, I have a hard time breathing when I'm simply walking through a store. I can't imagine wearing a face covering while running my ass off. It sounds awful.

Michigan’s chief medical executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun says that contact sports have a high risk of spreading coronavirus.

For those who do choose to play organized sports, we expect you to follow these strict safety measures and wear a face covering to reduce your risk and protect the health of your teammates, coaches, officials, and loved ones.

At the end of the day, it's a decision that parents and students have to make and whether or not it's worth the risk.