The city is mandating COVID-19 vaccines for all high-risk public school sports players and coaches, the Department of Education said Friday.
High-risk sports in areas with high COVID-19 rates could be canceled unless all participants are vaccinated, the DOE said.
The category includes football, basketball, wrestling, volleyball, lacrosse, and rugby.
Baseball is not considered a high-risk activity, where players would be in constant close contact, and is exempt.
Extracurricular activities in areas with high coronavirus transmission will go virtual without blanket vaccination, the agency said.
The new measures, the DOE said in a statement, are in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.
Vaccinated athletes would not have to wear masks for outdoor sports, according to the policy.
A DOE spokesperson said indoor sports participants must wear masks at all times, including during play.
The new mandate will impact roughly 20,000 students, coaches, and staffers.
Participants in high-risk fall sports must to get their first dose by the first official day of competitive play for each activity.
Football athletes are required to get their first shot by Sept. 3.
“We owe it to our young people to make it possible for them to safely return to the sports they love,” said schools Chancellor Meisha Porter in a statement. “Vaccinations are our passport out of this pandemic and this vaccine mandate will ensure everyone on high-risk teams are protected and able to compete.”
Roughly 57 percent of all 12 to 17 years olds have gotten their first vaccine dose, the DOE said.
