No masks to swim, while playing sports

But protective gear required on sidelines, in other situations

As the Wolf administration has rolled out its latest mask mandate, ordering face coverings while outdoors if safe social distancing isn’t possible, questions have emerged about what this means for summer recreation activities, such as team sports and summer youth programs.

The state on Thursday released some more specific guidance on summer recreation, and here are the answers to some questions.

Do youth athletes need to wear masks? What about the fans?

Athletes won’t need to wear masks while participating in a game or practice. But while they’re on the bench, in the dugout or on the sidelines, they will need to have some type of face covering, according to the governor’s office. All coaches and spectators will have to wear masks unless they fall under one of the state’s established exceptions or can

consistently keep a distance of 6 feet between one another.

What are those exceptions again?

Those with medical conditions that could be affected by mask wearing do not need to wear one, the state says. Other exceptions include those who are communicating with the hard of hearing or deaf, those operating equipment that would be unsafe while wearing a mask and those who cannot remove a face covering without someone’s help. There is no need to carry proof about why you are claiming one of these exceptions, according to the state mandate.

How do I know how the pandemic and the state’s mandates will affect my child’s summer youth program?

All summer programs for young people are required to publicize changes on websites. If the organization doesn’t have a website, it must mail information about health and safety plans to all registrants or have written information available at dropoff or pick-up locations for the program.

Will summer program staff be required to wear masks?

Yes. All staff should wear a mask, according to the latest mandate, unless they fall under the established exceptions. These programs ought to consult guidelines from the state Health Department when it comes to the safety of homemade masks.

Do kids need to wear masks the entire time they’re participating in these summer programs?

Not the entire time, no. While outdoors and able to maintain 6 feet between one another, children don’t need to wear masks. They also don’t need to be masked while eating or drinking or while seated indoors at desks or play areas that are a safe distance from one another.

But when in close contact, children older than 2 must be masked. Staff are encouraged to educate and remind youth participants about how and when to wear masks. Children who fall under the exceptions outlined by the state are not required to wear masks.

Masks can also come off for youth who are engaged in overnight programs once they’re in a cabin or building, but social distancing should be maintained, according to the state.

What about while swimming? Do we need face coverings then?

While most public pools are not opening this season, there are a few exceptions. And of course, there are always lakes and other natural spots for relief from the heat. Outside of the water, face coverings are required unless you can maintain social distancing.

But the state says no one should wear a face covering during an activity where the covering could become wet, such as swimming. A wet cloth mask can be dangerous and make it hard to breath. For these scenarios, it’s extra important to maintain social distance and keep at least 6 feet apart from those who aren’t in your household.

Morning Call reporter Sarah M. Wojcik can be reached at 610-778-2283 or swojcik@mcall.com.