COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the first time during the pandemic, the CDC is pointing to a new group — children and teens — as the cause for an uptick in COVID-19 cases. 


What You Need To Know

  • Children and teens are considered causes of a recent rise in COVID-19 cases

  • New variants and youth sports are considered reasons

  • Parents and coaches are encouraged to stay vigilant

Erin Sogal is a central Ohio parent and coach. She said she decided to coach her daughter's lacrosse team to make sure coronavirus safety protocols were being followed.

“Part of the reason I decided to coach my daughter’s youth team is to make sure I was more engaged, right,” said Soga, “To make sure that, as a coach, I was following the protocols that were put in place by the league.”

On Monday, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky explained new variants and increased exposure in youth sports activities are leading to a rise in cases in young adults.

Sogal said it's another reason for parents, coaches, and sports leagues to be mindful of safety measures.

“It’s really about being more vigilant as a coach to say, ‘you know what, we have to keep our distance but we can’t do that drill because we will be a little too close together’ and really just helping our players understand that this year looks a little different,” Sogal said.

Still, Sogal said it's up to parents to decide if they are comfortable with their kids playing youth sports.

"Trust your gut always as a parent,” said Sogal. “Just keep your lines of communication open with your coach. As a parent, I was always very clear with all of my kids coaches what my concerns were.”​