This cross-sectional study reviewed RTP cardiac testing performed between May and October 2020 on professional athletes who had tested positive for COVID-19 and the prevalence of detectable inflammatory heart disease using current RTP screening recommendations.

Troponin testing, electrocardiography (ECG), and resting echocardiography were performed after a positive COVID-19 test result. Interleague, deidentified cardiac data were pooled for collective analysis. Those with abnormal screening test results were referred for additional testing, including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and/or stress echocardiography.

This study provides large-scale data assessing the prevalence of relevant COVID-19–associated cardiac pathology with the implementation of current RTP screening recommendations. While long-term follow-up is ongoing, few cases of inflammatory heart disease have been detected, and a safe return to professional sports activity has thus far been achieved.

Click here to read the entire research article.

This guidance applies to children and adolescents who are participating in and/or returning to physical activity, inclusive of but not limited to, organized sports and physical education class within school. 

This guidance is intended for pediatricians to inform families on how to mitigate risk and prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19, to others within sports and other physical activities. 

Click here to read the entire article

The Monroe County Department of Health (DOH) has developed COVID-19 Post Vaccination Guidelines for Schools for use in their county. These guidelines are an algorithm addressing symptoms that appear within 48 hours of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. This document is NOT a State DOH approved document, but may be used by schools with the approval of the medical director as a resource if COVID-19 symptoms are present after receiving the vaccine to help determine when someone should return to work. Schools are encouraged to contact their local DOH for similar guidance.

The AAP has updated its interim guidance on measures schools can take during the COVID-19 pandemic to conduct classes safely in person, which is critical to students’ well-being.

The school guidance, which is available at https://bit.ly/2BMPtW5, is one of two guidance documents that were updated today. The other addresses emotional and behavioral health during the pandemic.

The school guidance details the important role schools play in children’s educational, social, physical and emotional development as well as being a source of special services and nutrition. Without access to the support systems schools provide, disparities among students who are Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native and living in poverty will continue to widen, according to the AAP.The guidance presents new research findings that schools have not been a significant driver of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in their communities when they take safety precautions. Transmission has been especially low among younger children.

Read the entire article here.

NYSCSH COVID-19 Sample Resources now include Sample School COVID-19 Testing Consent Form Instructions, Sample Non-Patient Specific Order for Testing, and Sample Your Child was Seen in the Health Office Due to Symptoms of COVID-19 that may be adapted for use after approval by the school medical director. They are located on the NYSCSH Communicable Disease | Illness | Injury Notifications | Consents | Non-Patient Specific Orders page of the website.

Interval Health History Forms-This form may be modified by local school districts. If modified, it should be reviewed and approved by the School Medical Director and Administration prior to use.

• Sample Recommended NYSED Interval Health History for Athletics- Completed by parent/guardian no earlier than 30 days prior to the start of the sport. This form now includes questions related to COVID-19 (Updated, 12/2020) Fillable PDF
• Sample Recommended NYSED Interval Health History for Athletics- Completed by parent/guardian no earlier than 30 days prior to the start of the sport. This form now includes questions related to COVID-19 (Updated 12/2020) Word Doc
• Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released updated guidance on sports participation for students which includes the use of face coverings and recommendations for return following COVID-19. School medical directors may request additional information from the parent/guardian or request consent from the parent/guardian to speak with the private health care provider in order to provide clearance to participate or determine if accommodations are needed. Schools may request additional information they may not require that students see specific types of providers or specific tests. That is determined by the private health care provider. (12/4/20)

This article from the American College of Cardiology reviews key points from the expert consensus statement on screening of potential cardiac involvement in competitive athletes recovering from coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Screening of Potential Cardiac Involvement in Competitive Athletes Recovering From COVID-19: An Expert Consensus Statement. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2020;13:2635-2652.

If your school district is considering in-school COIVD -19 testing you must obtain a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) waiver or a Limited-Service Laboratory(LSL) request. Click here to access COVID Testing for School information which provides information and resources on what it is required to perform COVID testing in schools.

Any questions can be directed to the NYSODH Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program (518) 485-5378 or clep@health.ny.gov