COVID-19 Pauses Barnstable High School Sports Games, Practices

BARNSTABLE, MA — Barnstable High School put winter sports on hold until at least Monday, Jan. 24, amid rising coronavirus cases.

The decision to halt sports was made Tuesday at the superintendent level in collaboration with the district's health director, school nurses and athletic trainers, Athletic Director Scott Thomas told the Barnstable Patriot Wednesday.

Principal Liz Freedman in an email to parents said the hold will last at least 10 days to help stop the spread of COVID-19 among teams.

"We know this is difficult for many in our student body, and we hope that we will be up and playing soon," Freedman said. "The Superintendent and Director of Health are monitoring the situation daily and will share any other information that comes up."

Following the decision, more than 1,000 people signed an online petition to Gov. Charlie Baker urging athletics be resumed at Barnstable High School immediately.

"This season has been running smoothly with the stay and test program along with athletes and coaches following the mask guidelines," the petition reads. "The only time a school has shutdown an entire team is when the majority of the team has tested positive. You do NOT shut down entire teams and programs for one case or a handful of cases! The kids deserve to play - they need to play-being with their teams is the safest place for them!