Staying safe while staying in shape

Assistant+swim+coach%2C+Sara+Morales%2C+checking+the+temperature+of+senior+swimmer%2C+Paulina+Quiroz.+Athletes+must+now+go+through+checks+before+entering+the+pool+and+participating+in+sports.%0A

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Assistant swim coach, Sara Morales, checking the temperature of senior swimmer, Paulina Quiroz. Athletes must now go through checks before entering the pool and participating in sports.

Celeste Hirschi, Sports Editor

As sports at Loretto resume this fall, there are major changes to the way they are being executed.

Living in a global pandemic, there are many new protocols for the sports.

First and foremost, they must follow the CDC guidelines for 6-feet apart and must have a mask on when not participating in their sport. 

The girls also have to show up earlier to go through a COVID-19 screening process.

These extra measures include taking temperatures and confirming they have not been exposed nor have had symptoms in the last weeks.

The assistant coach or manager must have a written record that the athletes have not experienced symptoms in the last two weeks for every practice.

For the Cross Country team, the girls must turn in a form daily confirming their health and have not had symptoms. 

The swim team has their temperature taken and lack of symptoms confirmed by both the lifeguard at the pool, and the assistant coach. 

Assistant swim coach, Sara Morales, said, “The new procedures require the girls to arrive earlier and get screened before entering the pool; however, they are necessary to ensure their safety.”

Senior swimmer, Paulina Quiroz, said, “The new safety procedures have affected swim practices because we have less time to practice due to the new curfew.

“We are lucky we have the opportunity to swim, as all city pools have been closed affecting all the swimmers from El Paso.”

In order to continue these sport seasons, the girls must follow the protocol, to ensure the safety of the athletes.