March 21, 2020

NWRAA Baseball and Softball Families

COVID-19 Update

With Governor Tate Reeves’ announcement that schools will remain closed until April 17^th, NWRAA Baseball and Softball will also continue our suspension of all activities through at least April17^th.  Please continue to monitor your email or visit our website for updates.

We are reviewing all options to continue the season once it’s safe to play. 

NWRAA Baseball and Softball Board

Per the MSDH, an overview of COVID-19 is as stated;

COVID-19 is a new respiratory virus that causes flu-like illness ranging from mild to severe, with symptoms of fever, coughing, fatigue and difficulty breathing. The CDC and MSDH are working to detect, contain and limit the spread of cases in the U.S. and Mississippi should they occur. MSDH is actively preparing doctors and hospitals on how to respond safely and effectively to COVID-19 in Mississippi.

Like the flu, COVID-19 it is thought to be spread person-to-person by close contact (within 6 feet) and by coughing or sneezing. Other possible routes of transmission, such as touching surfaces contaminated by the virus, are also being investigated.

Preventive measures against COVID-19 are the same as those for other respiratory viruses like the flu. To help prevent getting and spreading disease:

• Be careful and consistent with cleaning your hands. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Stay at home if you have a fever, respiratory symptoms, or believe you are sick.
• Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces including player benches, equipment, handrails and handles, doorknobs, light switches, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  

Additional NWRAA guidelines related to all activities:

• Instead of the customary postgame handshake, we ask that players thank the other team for a good game and not shake hands.
• Do not share bottles, thermoses, beverages, etc.
• Do not share food/utensils
• Do not share clothing/jerseys/uniforms
• Wash uniforms, gear, and practice gear often
• Clean cell phones daily
• And again, Please STAY HOME if you show signs/symptoms of respiratory illness
  

EMAIL FROM USSSA: 

• To: USSSA Membership
  Subject: Notice of New USSSA Mandatory Health & Safety Procedures
  
  Due to concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other health authorities, USSSA is implementing some new, mandatory health and safety procedures as part of a proactive approach to preventing the spread of germs.
  
  Throughout the USSSA organization, we are adopting these new measures effective immediately. We cannot stress enough how vital it is that all USSSA participants adhere to these guidelines.
  
  “No-Contact/No-Handshake” Policy
  
  USSSA is immediately instituting a precautionary “no-contact, no-handshake policy” to be observed at every level of the organization until further notice. This includes all physical contact and extends to customary game-related activities, such as pre-game coaches’ handshakes, umpire-coach introductions, and post-game handshakes between members of opposing teams. Instead, staff, players and coaches should use verbal queues, such as saying “good game,” without shaking hands, high-fiving or fist-bumping.
  
  Maintain Good Hygiene Practices
  
  All USSSA employees, membership and participants in USSSA-sanctioned events should be aware of the coronavirus risk and take the necessary precautions to avoid exposure to germs. This includes maintaining good hygiene practices. We strongly recommend the following:
   
  • Wash your hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; this is suggested after any physical contact with another person or with a shared surface
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Cover your mouth and nose – with a tissue, if possible – when coughing or sneezing, then properly discard the tissue in the trash
  • Avoid close contact with anyone else who is coughing or sneezing or who is otherwise sick
  • Clean or disinfect frequently touched objects and surface

    

  Advice from the CDC

   The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has a specific Q&A regarding the virus in children:

   Q: Are children more susceptible to the virus that causes COVID-19 compared with the general population and how can infection be prevented?

   A: No, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible...

   see here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/children-faq.html

   We will provide updates related to these new measures or let you know about any additional precautions to take if and when they become necessary. We appreciate your cooperation in following these new procedures as we work together to maintain the highest health and safety standards as an organization.

   If you have any questions regarding an event in which you are registered to participate, please contact your local USSSA state director or other point of contact for that event.

   Thank you.

   Donny DeDonatis III

  Chief Executive Officer

  USSSA