FROM STAFF REPORTS Last week, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo announced that spectators and fans would not be allowed to attend sporting events this week and next week due to the rising number of recent COVID-19 cases. Indoor sporting leagues will also be closed this week due to the high number of cases stemming from youth hockey.

For high school sports, the governor’s decision will no longer allow fans to attend games for the remainder of the regular season, with most sports wrapping up next week. The cross country class championships are this weekend at Ponaganset High School and the state meet will be the following Saturday. Each race will be run without fans in attendance.

On the youth level, fans will also not be allowed to attend unless the age range is 10 years old or younger. Any indoor activity will be put on hold altogether. The state will allow spectators to watch from their vehicles if a site’s location permits. The state also urges all leagues to continue to abide by health guidelines including face coverings, social distancing and regular sanitization of equipment.

The governor as well as the Rhode Island Interscholastic League stated that the goal is to finish the fall season with the decision to disallow fans as a solution to the rising numbers. Raimondo was hopeful for winter sports to be played, however, the RIIL has yet to release any information regarding the winter season.