Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration announced last week that contact sports can resume at Michigan high schools after a months-long pause during a cold-weather resurgence of the coronavirus.

We are happy our athletes will once again have the chance to shine on the court and on the ice, but we urge every athlete and those school officials charged with protecting them to take every precaution.

As evidenced by the repeatedly canceled games at the collegiate and professional levels, sports is a risky place for the spread of the coronavirus. And we remind athletes, coaches, and athletic directors that a sizeable portion of those infected by the coronavirus may feel no symptoms themselves, but still could pass the virus on to someone else for whom the consequences may be more severe.

The administration’s order allowing sports to resume requires athletes to wear masks or be regularly tested for the coronavirus. A 250- to 500-spectator limit will remain in place, depending on the size of a stadium or arena.

We know everyone involved works hard to keep kids safe, but we urge athletes and those who coach them to be diligent about the precautions necessary to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

We want our athletes to be able to continue their season to its conclusion, without another halt caused by the virus, and the only way to do so is to stay vigilant.