On Jan. 3, the Decatur High School (DHS) athletic department announced that attendance for indoor winter sports will be limited. Only immediate family members of players will be allowed into the sporting events.

This announcement comes from the CSD school board after a rise in COVID-19 cases in the Dekalb County area. They hope to prevent the spread of COVID-19 with this newly implemented precaution. 

“The decision was necessary in order to attempt the safety of all involved in extracurriculars:  athletes, coaches, students, parents, and community members,” DHS Athletic Director Rodney Thomas said. 

Additionally, all teams are required to wear masks, covering their nose and mouth during practices. 

In the week returning to school, both DHS varsity basketball teams had their game on Jan. 4 canceled and their game on Jan. 7 postponed due to COVID-related issues. 

“Nothing is definite right now, like at any moment it could get shut down especially because it is an indoor sport,” varsity basketball player Kira Czech said.

Thomas added that these precautions will last until the severity of case data in the community declines significantly.

“This will last until the numbers decrease and we move out of the Level 4 quadrant,” Thomas said.