Those looking to plunge into the Chesapeake Bay will have to wait a little longer, as the Maryland State Police’s Polar Bear Plunge has been postponed until March due to the spike in COVID-19 cases. The annual fundraising event, which supports Special Olympics Maryland, was scheduled to happen in February at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis. In past years, the event has drawn thousands to jump into the chilly waters during winter. Instead, in-person events will now start on March 24, with the largest plunge taking place on Saturday, March 26. “We have been working hard to plan for a safe In-Person Plunge, but given the spike in COVID-19, it has become clear that the only thing to do, the right thing to do, is reschedule our In-Person Plunges to a later date,” a statement from organizers said.
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Those who plan to attend in person must follow the event’s COVID-19 protocols, including wearing face coverings when going inside tents or other indoor facilities; and not attending if you are experiencing symptoms. The rest of the event’s protocols can be found online. There will still be a virtual Plunge option for those who cannot travel down to Sandy Point. Thousands of people took part in the virtual event last year, uploading their creative plunges to social media and helping raise $1.76 million to support over 8,700 Special Olympics athletes.
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