Written by Miguel Palacios
Lockdowns and quarantines have been the norm since last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic raged on, schools were forced to extend their in-person instruction suspension in order to remain in compliance with state orders. As a result, many students were forced to forgo participation in their school activities. Some seniors lost their traditional graduation ceremony as well as their last chance to participate in high school athletics. These are important times that can never be recovered.
Fortunately, youth outdoor activities in San Diego are back after a judge ruled that they can resume, as long as they follow the same guidelines as college sports. The judge agreed with the plaintiffs that young athletes were not at a greater risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 than their professional or collegiate counterparts.
“The game is the same, the risk of spread is similar, the youth are already practicing and with school closures or limitations on attendance, youth are isolated,” San Diego Superior Court Judge Earl H. Maas III wrote.
Nevertheless, this change is not likely due to any progress on the coronavirus front. Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the pandemic has been abysmal, to say the least, and others have begun to step up and pick up his slack. This judge’s decision is just one example. As of late, state democrats have forged ahead, without Newsom’s approval, on a plan to reopen schools and on a plan to implement single-payer healthcare, a promise Newsom made while campaigning but has yet to follow through on.
