Vaccine mandate: Fans to show proof of vaccination or negative PCR test at New Orleans Saints games
New rules introduced by city Mayor LaToya Cantrell will see supporters required to get a vaccine or prove that they don't have covid-19 to attend the NFL fixtures.
Any unvaccinated fans at New Orleans Saints home games will have to show proof of a negative covid-19 PCR test after Mayor LaToya Cantrell introduced new restrictions on Thursday. The city-wide vaccine mandate comes after the area reported dangerously high infection rates and the new rules apply to nearly all public venues as well as the NFL stadium.
Visitors to the Caesars Superdrome will have to wear masks throughout the game, except when eating or drinking, regardless of their vaccination status. The extra restrictions will allow the Saints to play in front of a full capacity crowd.
ESPN report that New Orleans is the first NFL city to have introduced such restrictions for fans attending the games. The new rules will come into play when the Saint host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, 23 August for a preseason game.
Club happy to assist in the city’s covid-19 protection measures
The new rules are part of a concerted effort to ensure that fans can remain safe while watching their team and the Saints have partnered with Ochsner Health to put on additional services. On game days the area outside the stadium will be offering free vaccinations and they are working on other initiatives in the local area.
A statement from the Saints reads: "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.”
"To assist in that effort, the Saints will be teaming up with Ochsner Health on a number of free vaccination events throughout our region and outside of the Caesars Superdome on game day.”
New Orleans mayor introduces new covid-19 rules
It is not just football fans who will have to adhere to extra restrictions, visitors to the city’s restaurants, bars and other indoor venues will also be subject to a vaccine mandate. Individuals must either prove that they are fully vaccinated or show a negative PCR test from the previous 72 hours to be allowed in.
The new rules will be introduced from Monday, 16 August as Louisiana looks to control a state-wide surge in covid-19 cases and hospitalisations. There is concern that the state, which has one of the lowest rates of vaccine uptake in the country, is struggling to contain the more contagious Delta variant.
At a news conference held to announce the new restrictions, Cantrell said: "We’re here today because we really have no choice. The situation is dire and we are simply out of time.”