The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape youth soccer in New England, with club and team sports across Connecticut now facing roughly a two-month pause.
The decision, announced Thursday by Gov. Ned Lamont, goes into effect this coming Monday (Nov. 23) and lasts through Jan. 19. It pertains to everything from grassroots teams up through high-end club programs and adult leagues, though doesn’t impact college and professional teams since they can compete in bubbles that help limit the virus spreading.
The state noted Thursday that 17 schools have closed due to sports-related COVID-19 contacts, 29 outbreaks across Connecticut have been linked to sports teams and 235 teachers have been forced to quarantine due to sport/COVID contacts. In other words, the state has identified youth sports as a source of COVID-19’s spread, all while prioritizing schools staying open, and is hoping to limit another surge. Connecticut surpassed 100,000 cases on Friday and now has a 6.63% positivity rate.