As Covid-19 moves into the United States and Minnesota, EPSA is following the news and hoping to keep our families healthy. We urge all players, families and volunteers to stay informed and take precautions to reduce the spread of any respiratory illness.

EPSA has been monitoring the MYSA guidelines, which we coincide with. EPSA will follow their soccer related recommendations.

All MYSA and EPSA activities including any events, games, and/or coaching courses are suspended until April 15, 2020.

Starting April 1st, US Youth Soccer [USYS] will begin reassessing the COVID-19 situation every two weeks and will communicate any changes immediately.  MYSA and EPSA will also follow that timeline.

EPSA is recommending the following to ensure the safety and health of our athletes:

• Players, coaches, parents and supporters with illness or symptoms should nor attend any training or games.  Players will not be penalized for missing practices or games due to illness (communicate with your coach).
• Players - bring your own water bottle to practices & games and NEVER handle or drink from someone else's water bottle.
• Eliminate post-game handshakes & high-fives to avoid unnecessary personal contact.
• Have hand sanitizer available for players on the bench for before/during/after the game.
• If you travel for Spring Break and visit a country designated as Travel Warning Level 3, please do not attend any practices or games for 14 days upon return in accordance with CDC recommendations.

All of us can practice simple habits to prevent the spread of germs, including:

• Stay home if you or any family member have a fever or are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap & water are not available.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.

We will continue monitoring all leagues and tournament cancellations or travel advisories.

Resources:

Covid-19 symptoms: Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath.

Center of Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

CDC Travel Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019