California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that youth sports can finally be played in the golden state starting next Friday.

27 counties qualify right now in the state’s threshold for allowing youth sports. Sonoma, Marin, Mendocino and Napa counties all qualify to begin youth sports on February 26.

Via @ZavalaA on Twitter

With case rates between seven and 14 per 100,000, people will be required to be tested weekly if they play or coach in the following sports: football, water polo and rugby. For baseball, softball and cheerleading, no testing will be required.

Newsom said the state will cover the cost of COVID-19 testing through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
and CA State Grants.

Each district and county will also have guidance for their schools and leagues but today is a positive step.

You can watch the full press conference here.