Steelers, youth football not required to wear masks while playing according to Wolf’s office

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers and their opponents will not be required to wear face masks while on the field playing in a game at Heinz Field. Additionally, youth football players also will not be required to have a face covering while playing.

Updated guidance from Gov. Tom Wolf is that “wearing a mask in addition to a mouth guard and a helmet would likely create a medical issue for the athlete, whether the athlete is a professional or youth player, even if a previous medical issue was not present.” The guidance also cited swimming as another sport for which wearing a mask while participating “presents an imminent health issue.”

CLICK HERE to read the update guidance from Gov. Wolf’s office regarding athletes and masks

The next Steelers game to be played at Heinz Field is against the Ravens on Thanksgiving Day on Channel 11.

>>>RELATED: Pitt football team will wear masks during Saturday’s game

The University of Pittsburgh announced earlier on Friday that players would be wearing face coverings whether playing on the field or on the sideline. However, that changed according to officials:

“To provide further clarity, Pitt football student-athletes will be outfitted with face coverings throughout the game. However, they will not be required to have the coverings pulled up while in the midst of play to prevent the impairment of breathing. Such usage of face coverings during competition would be in compliance with Section 3 of the Secretary of Health’s Face Covering Order.”

Additionally, there are several rounds of high school football championship games occurring this weekend across the state.

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Cox Media Group