Report: NBA Sends Teams COVID-19 Fan Protocol
Nov 11, 2020, 11:12 AM
Vivint Smart Home Arena (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The NBA is establishing a protocol for fans to attend NBA games this season in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the league’s plan includes testing options, food, and proximity restrictions for fans attending games in eligible cities.
“The NBA has sent its 30 teams a memo with protocols for eligible markets to host fans, requiring people within 30 feet of court to register negative coronavirus test two days prior to game or rapid test on day of game,” Sources told Charania.
“All fans are required to wear masks (above age of 2), socially distance, undergo symptom surveys. Food and beverage are not allowed for those within 30 feet of court. Teams would have option to install a plexiglass behind benches.”
The NBA has sent its 30 teams a memo with protocols for eligible markets to host fans, requiring people within 30 feet of court to register negative coronavirus test two days prior to game or rapid test on day of game, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 11, 2020
Previously, Charania reported that the NBA was hoping to make arenas available to a small percentage of fans to begin the season.
“For arena suites at 25% capacity or less, testing would not be required for fans,” Charania tweeted. “Teams would be permitted for 50% if all fans were tested or if local county’s positivity rate is three percent or below and seven-day average of new cases per 100K residents is 10 or fewer.”
Jazz Offer Statement On NBA Return
Late Tuesday evening the Utah Jazz announced they were awaiting further instruction from the NBA and state officials before determining whether fans will be able to attend games at Vivint Arena.
🚨 The 2020-21 NBA season starts Dec. 22 🚨#TakeNote | @UofUHealth
𝚁𝙴𝙰𝙳 𝙼𝙾𝚁𝙴 » https://t.co/5FujUHXtz5 pic.twitter.com/ph2l06CK3x— utahjazz (@utahjazz) November 11, 2020
“We are excited that the 2020-21 NBA season will officially tip off in December,” Jazz President Jim Olson said in the release. “The entire Jazz organization and its loyal fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of Jazz basketball to our homecourt at Vivint Arena. Public health and the safety of our players, fans and community are of the utmost importance, and we will continue to take guidance from the NBA and local health officials to set the appropriate standards that support the safest possible return to play. We want to thank Commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association for their extraordinary efforts and shared commitment to starting the season in these unusual circumstances.”
The Jazz last played in front of their home crowd on March 9 in a 101-92 loss to the Toronto Raptors. On March 11, center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 which led to the suspension of the NBA season.
