As the Delta virus surges, NFL teams are doing whatever necessary to keep stadiums full this fall. In the case of the New Orleans Saints, that means not only mandating masks, but also requiring either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of kickoff.
Saints to adhere to city COVID-19 restrictions
Those are the restrictions set forth by the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana for full capacity at sports and entertainment venues, indoor facilities, and large social gatherings.
Louisiana is one of the hottest of COVID-19 hotspots in the nation. The spike is largely a function of the residents’ persistent vaccination hesitancy but also some seasonal factors.
The seven-day average of recorded infections in the state has skyrocketed in the past six weeks.
The state’s seven-day average of positive tests spiked from 434 on July 4 to 5,660 presently. Hospitals are nearing capacity. Some have halted elective procedures because they simply don’t have the bandwidth to handle all the patients.
“We are committed to doing everything we can in the current environment to protect your health and safety while at the same time providing the best game day experience in the NFL,” the Saints said in a news release.
“Our team has been blessed with the greatest home field advantage in sports because we have the most committed, resilient and passionate fans in the world. We understand some will be frustrated, as are we, that we find ourselves in this position. We, as a community, have overcome so much in our history and come back stronger every time. Together, we can defeat this virus and return to living, celebrating and winning in the way we always have. We need you in that number — both on game day and in defeating this virus.”
Saints, along with other NFL teams, announcing protocols for season
The Saints are one of several teams to announce new COVID-19 protocols in order to have full capacity at games this fall. The Bills announced Wednesday that they are requiring all fans, staff, and vendors to wear masks at their games, regardless of vaccination status.
The Ravens have announced the same policy.
What makes the Saints different — they play in an enclosed stadium without a retractable roof. Research suggests that COVID-19 has a lower transmission rate outdoors, but the Delta variant is the most contagious strain yet. Some recording artists are now requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test, even for outdoor concerts.
“We remain optimistic that, with our community’s help and as vaccination rates increase, these restrictions will no longer be necessary as the season progresses,” the Saints wrote.
How is the state of Florida responding?
Meanwhile in Florida, the three NFL teams are closely monitoring as the state appeals a ruling that found Governor Ron DeSantis’ so-called “vaccine passport ban” illegal.
Norwegian Cruise Line successfully sued in federal court to overturn the state’s law that banned private businesses from requiring proof of vaccination on First Amendment grounds. However, Florida intends to appeal that ruling.
If the state loses its appeal, the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars would presumably be able to require fans to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test.
Florida, like New Orleans, has been crushed by the Delta variant. The seven-day infection average in the Sunshine State is nearly 25,000. Each week, 175,000 Floridians are testing positive for COVID-19.
Adam Beasley is the NFL Insider for Pro Football Network. You can read all of Adam’s work here and give him a follow on Twitter @AdamHBeasley.
