Kansas health officials are investigating new clusters of coronavirus activity, including cases connected with two basketball tournaments in Wichita and Hays.
Two people associated with the MAYB Boys Basketball Tournament at the Wichita Sports Forum have tested positive for COVID-19. Two people connected with the MAYB Girls Basketball Tournament also tested positive, and that tournament was held at the Hays Recreation Commission. Both tournaments were held on June 20th and 21st.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Dr. Lee Norman says sports settings may pose a higher risk for the spread of COVID-19, and the number one cause of the spread is someone attending as a spectator or participant while they are ill.
KDHE is investigating four clusters of COVID-19 connected to sports practices and tournaments across the state. The MAYB tournaments account for two of the clusters. People who attended these events may have been exposed and should be aware of the symptoms of the virus.
Dr. Norman said people should wear masks and practice social distancing if they attend a sporting event. He said “If you pull into a parking lot and you cannot find a place to park, that is a clue that you shouldn’t be there. ” He said that creates an unsafe environment, and he believes Kansas will see a lot of coronavirus cases coming from sporting events.
