Orange County’s adjusted case rate for the coronavirus plunged Tuesday, March 9 below the threshold that requires weekly testing for water polo and football teams.
The county’s adjusted case rate per 100,000 people checked in at 6 %, fulfilling the 7 % condition set by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that requires testing for football, water polo and rugby players and coaches.
On March 2, the county’s adjusted case rate continued its decline by hitting 7.6 % but missed dipping below the important 7 % barrier. The CDPH requires testing for the high-contact, outdoor sports if the adjusted case rate falls between 7 and 14.
Many water polo teams have been testing since their abbreviated season was approved to begin in late February. Some football teams may have tested in anticipation of this week’s opening week of the season but now won’t need to test at least this week.
One question that remains is whether the football and water polo teams would have to resume testing if case rates were to rise to at least 7 next week or in the future. The Southern California News Group has submitted the question to the CDPH.
The water polo season is schedule to end March 20 while football starts Thursday and concludes April 17.
The latest county’s case rates don’t affect the testing requirements for indoor sports such as volleyball, basketball and wrestling. In the wake of a lawsuit settlement in San Diego, the CDPH has adjusted its requirements to allow those sports to be played indoors only if the teams follow a college-type testing program or apparently wait until their county reaches the optimal yellow tier, which features a case rate less than 1 per 100,000.
Orange County Health Care Agency director Dr. Clayton Chau said last week that the county could officially reach the red tier around March 17.
This is a breaking story. Please check back for more updates.
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