COVID-19 Update & Guidance
Haverhill Youth Soccer Novel COVID-19 Update and Guidance – March 17, 2020
Hello Haverhill Youth Soccer community. We wanted to reach out to you to provide information on how Haverhill Youth Soccer (HYS) is responding to the COVID-19 virus outbreak and the measures we are taking with respect to our upcoming spring 2020 season.
As you know, the response to the COVID-19 virus is a fluid and changing situation. New updates are being issued almost daily. HYS will take guidance from four main agencies [Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA), The City of Haverhill, The State of Massachusetts, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC)]. The Center for Disease Control will be our guiding agency on precautions and methods we need to take for safe play.
On Friday, March 13, 2020, MYSA suspended all soccer activities statewide due to COVID-19 through April 15, 2020. That means that no soccer meetings, practices, training, clinics, or games will take place before April 15, 2020. Additionally, the State of Massachusetts has banned all gatherings of greater than 25 people through April 7, 2020. Also, as long as school in Haverhill is out of session or after school activities are suspended, we will not be holding soccer related activities.
We take this situation very seriously and want to let everyone know that the best interest and health of the players and the HYS community is paramount to us. We will continue to evaluate the situation on a daily basis and make adjustments to our start date and overall season as more information becomes available. We will provide updates through email, our website, and social media.
As we get closer to the season, we will adjust the game and practice schedule. At this time, we still hope complete our entire season. Refunds for part or all of the season will be addressed at the time when we have more certainty on how many games we will play.
Resources for information on COVID-19 are available for your review. These are listed below.
WHO - Advice for Coronavirus
U.S. Department of State - Country Specific Travel Information
USOPC - Coronavirus Update
In the meantime, please follow all good practices to help reduce the spread of this virus and protect everyone. These good habits include:
Practice social distancing.School being out of session does not constitute a vacation.Please do not schedule get-togethers with friends.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth prior to proper washing or disinfecting.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow the CDC's recommendations for using a face mask.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including Coronavirus.
CDC recommended face masks should be used by people who show symptoms to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
We hope that this crisis will pass soon and we can get back to play. If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email at board@haverhillyouthsoccer.org.
Have a great day and stay safe.
Haverhill Youth Soccer Board of Directors