Powhatan Lacrosse (PowLAX) is actively monitoring the latest updates to the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.

First and foremost, everyone should follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These resources are updated as new information becomes available and should be checked frequently.

Currently, PowLAX has no plans to cancel any of its upcoming events, either home or away.  The league will follow the Powhatan County Public School policies/cancellations/adjustments regarding COVID-19, therefore, this could create changes for our league depending on the progression of the virus in our community.

General guidelines from the CDC to help individuals prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick and keep your kids home when they are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

As it relates specifically to lacrosse, here are some additional recommended preventative measures:

• Encourage anyone who is sick (players, coaches, officials, fans) to stay away from activities. Fans with pre-existing medical conditions (i.e. heart or pulmonary conditions, diabetes) that may make them more at risk for COVID-19 are encouraged to avoid mass gatherings.

• Avoid handshakes in postgame handshake lines.

• Use good hygiene practices with water bottles. PowLAX will not provide shared water bottles this season – be sure that your player has a water bottle available for every practice and game.

• Properly clean and sanitize lacrosse equipment.  PowLAX shared goalie gear will be sprayed with Lysol after each practice and coaches may determine that only a single goalie will be able to use the gear each practice or game.

• Bring hand sanitizer (60% or more alcohol content) to events since soap and water may be unavailable at many of the fields.

Please take time to review these prevention activities with your players so that everyone has the best opportunity to stay away from any illness.

We encourage individuals to contact their local healthcare providers and public health authorities if they have questions or concerns regarding individual medical advice. This situation is evolving quickly therefore PowLAX will continue to monitor information from the CDC, and state and local public health authorities, and will share any updates that relate directly to the lacrosse community.

For further information please visit the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 website at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/.