Unfortunately, the Governors of Washington and Oregon increased COVID-19 restrictions about three weeks ago and those included no indoor tennis, and should those restrictions continue into 2021, that makes playing USTA League matches are a no go.
There have been petitions circulated asking for indoor tennis to be exempt from the restrictions as it is proven to be a safe form of exercise, but apparently so far, no takers on granting that request.
Because of this, and the short-term outlook of COVID-19 numbers not improving, it appears the restriction will not be lifted soon, and as a result, the PNW section sent out notice today that 2021 Winter league play would not begin until at least March 5.
That may seem like a pretty extreme adjustment, a full two months, but a lot goes into planning and coordinating a league from confirming team to securing courts from facilities and creating a schedule bringing the teams and courts together. It also doesn't make sense to start league play immediately upon restrictions being lifted, especially with 40 & Over injuries could be rampant if that were the case, so some ramp up time makes sense.
A delay until March 5 (or later) throws a monkey wrench into the rest of the schedule as well, and the e-mail mentions plans are being worked on to allow for all leagues to be played leading up to local playoffs and Sectionals, but until more is known about when restrictions may be lifted, no dates or plans can be shared. We will all have to remain patient.
Note, league play is going on in quite a few sections, but not all, and should suspension of play continue well in to 2021, it will begin to introduce doubt into whether 2021 leagues can be completed and correspondingly, Nationals be held. It would be really unfortunate if Nationals were canceled for two years running so let's hope we find a way to get leagues going again in all or at least most sections very soon.
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