COVID protocols sideline Walhalla team

The spreading virus has begun to impact the winter sports schedule of Oconee’s three high schools–especially the close-contact sports of basketball and wrestling.  The county school district has learned that the Walhalla High boys basketball team may not play or practice for 10 days, after an opposing player in Friday night’s game at Tallulah Falls, Georgia learned after the game that he has COVID-19.  Steve Hanvey, associate superintendent for Oconee schools, says the Walhalla team may not take part today as scheduled in a Christmas week tournament at Daniel High School.  Another effect of COVID-19 has been reduced fan attendance at high school sporting events.  In the case of basketball, fans must wear facial coverings and sit in pods of 2 or 4, and that has reduced paid attendance to 16-18% normal.  Despite fewer paid admissions, Hanvey says, for now, the public schools remain committed to seeing their winter sports schedules proceed as much as possible.