(a) The department shall post on its internet website information related to the safe return of pupils to exercise and physical activity after exhibiting signs or symptoms of, or testing positive for, COVID-19, including current American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for (1) a preparticipation screening evaluation, with a special emphasis on cardiac symptoms, with a licensed health care provider to evaluate health and heart risks associated with COVID-19, and (2) “gradual return to play” protocols, according to whether the pupil’s COVID-19 was mild, moderate, or severe.

(b) The department shall include in its posts made pursuant to subdivision (a) American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for pupils to obtain medical clearance before returning to exercise and physical activity after exhibiting signs or symptoms of, or testing positive for, COVID-19, and the gradual return to play protocols, relative to the severity of symptoms.

(c) Materials posted by the department on its internet website pursuant to this article may include, but are not necessarily limited to, those developed by the Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation, the California Interscholastic Federation, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and the California Athletic Trainers’ Association.

(d) The department shall monitor best practices and evolving guidelines on the safe return of pupils to physical activity after exhibiting signs or symptoms of, or testing positive for, COVID-19, and shall update its internet website in response to new information.

(e) The department shall encourage schools and school districts to give pupils and their parents and guardians ready access to the information obtained pursuant to this article by posting it on their internet websites, and actively distributing this information via postal mail, email, newsletter, meetings, in registration and sports clearance packets, or in person.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 123, Sec. 1. (AB 856) Effective July 23, 2021. Inoperative July 1, 2024, pursuant to Section 33477.9. Repealed as of January 1, 2025, pursuant to Section 33477.9.)