Knox County Schools says summer workouts are permitted starting Tuesday

Aaron Torres
Knoxville News Sentinel

Knox County Schools will permit summer workouts to begin Tuesday, according to an email from superintendent Bob Thomas that was shared with Knox News.

The email stated the activities should follow public health recommendations during the respective phases, including social distancing. 

"TSSAA is recommending that 'member schools follow the state and local government along with the CDC and local Health Department guidelines concerning social distancing, understanding that these guidelines will continue to change from county to county and as the summer progresses,'" the email said. 

While the email says schools can start workouts Tuesday, it doesn't mean they have to. The email did not mention specific safety guidelines for schools to follow and it's not clear how many schools will actually start workouts Tuesday. The email said the TSSAA dead period — when no team workouts are permitted — will still take place from June 22 through July 5. 

Knox County Schools will be providing safety guidelines for schools to follow, in accordance with public health guidelines, according to spokesperson Carly Harrington. 

A few high school athletic directors were concerned about starting next week because they didn't know if schools would have enough time to disinfect athletic areas. 

As of Tuesday, Knox County had detected 316 COVID-19 cases. There were 47 active cases and five deaths. 

Alcoa and Maryville, located in Blount County, started summer workouts Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

Both schools are limiting the number of players or coaches in a group to 10 or fewer and both have closed off the locker room. All equipment used for sports will be sterilized daily as well.