Wake County schools requiring players, coaches, staff to wear masks at outdoor sporting events

The Wake County Public School System will now require coaches, staff and players to wear masks at outdoor games.

The requirement, announced Thursday, applies to all outdoor sporting events, unless an athlete is actively playing in a game. The rule is applied when coaches and players are on the sideline.

The district told families the protocol is in response to a rise in COVID cases since the start of school. Public health experts have warned of increased risk during extracurricular activities.

The Sanderson High School JV and Varsity Football manager told WRAL this is their first week back after a two-week quarantine. And the team is not looking forward to wearing masks, but they understand.

“My little brother is not vaccinated and both are my parents are high risk," said Caya Profit. "So I have to do what’s right to protect them because I’m around these guys all the time and so I never know who’s been around who.”

Masks are already required during all indoor sporting events. All visitors and fans are strongly encouraged to wear masks outdoors.