Ephrata School District Pauses All Non-varsity Athletics During COVID Test Shortage

The Ephrata School District has been forced to pause all athletics below the high school varsity level because of a lack of COVID-19 tests.

According to a letter by Superintendent Tim Payne, the district is working very hard to ensure varsity sports with postseason opportunities have every chance to play in their competitions. All sub-varsity and middle school basketball, unified basketball, wrestling, stunt team and JV cheer team cannot test, practice or play until further notice.

Payne's letter blames the lack of tests on two factors. Prior to the schools Winter Break, the Washington State Department of Health announced updated testing guidelines for student athletics. The requirements increased the testing frequency of all athletes, coaches, trainers and support personnel to three times per week regardless of vaccination status.

Then, while the Ephrata School District ordered enough tests to meet the new requirements, many orders were either short tests or were cancelled entirely because of the nationwide testing shortage.

The district's testing site has had to change its rules also, with tests now only available to district students and staff that currently have symptoms or are testing after five days of exposure.