June 2, 2021

Dear AAFSC Members:

On Tuesday June 1, AAFSC discovered that over the weekend MDHHS had issued the "June 1, 2021 Gatherings and Face Mask Order" replacing the one issued May 14, 2021. This came as somewhat of a surprise to us.

COVID-19 TEEN TESTING REQUIREMENTS

Section 3 of the new order reads:

3. Organized sports gathering restrictions.

(a) Gatherings for the purpose of sports practice and competition involving persons ages 13 to 19 are prohibited unless all such persons comply with a testing program as specified in the MDHHS publication entitled "Interim Guidance for Athletics" issued May 24, 2021.

The referenced "Interim Guidance for Athletics dated May 24, 2021" under Mandatory Provisions states:

Unvaccinated participants ages 13 – 19 participating in contact and non-contact organized sports must test for SARS-CoV-2 on at least a weekly basis. These requirements apply to both school and non-school sponsored sports. Unvaccinated participants ages 13 – 19 can only participate in organized sports with proof of a negative diagnostic test (antigen or RT-PCR) on at least a weekly basis.

Essentially, this continues the present testing requirements for 13-19 year-old skaters until they are 14+ days past their final vaccine. AAFSC expects all skaters ages 13 through 19 to submit either proof of final vaccination at least 2 weeks past OR weekly RT-PCR tests, as long as this mandate is in effect. 

Due to the delayed notification of the extension in the Teen Testing Order, test results will not be required until Monday, June 7th in order to provide enough time to receive RT-PCR testing.

FACE MASKS

The AA Ice Cube expects all persons in the Ice Cube to wear a face mask. The exceptions are:

1. Any individuals who have been fully vaccinated for 14+ days.
2. Any individuals who cannot medically tolerate a face mask.
3. Children under 2 years old

AAFSC supports and adheres to this policy. 

It has come to management's attention that several skaters in the under 12 year-old age range are not wearing face masks. If you are in this age range and have been wearing a face mask previously, you do not fall into the second exception category. AAFSC asks you to continue to wear your face mask both on and off the ice until you are fully vaccinated. Until a vaccine becomes available for those under 12, they all remain at risk of contracting this disease. Please think of others!



These may be the toughest weeks of this 16 month pandemic ordeal, with guidance from state and local authorities that is admittedly less clear than it has been up to this point. We ask that everyone be respectful to everyone else in addition to following the stated guidance.

Please direct any questions to AAFSC Club Manager, Craig Forsyth at aafsc.officemanager@gmail.com