MLB Will Not Require Fans to Provide Proof<br />of Negative COVID-19 Test or Vaccine.<br />Major League Baseball does not plan to mandate<br />league-wide COVID-19 requirements for fans entering<br />stadiums during its next regular season. .<br />The league outlined its decision in a memo sent to teams<br />on Monday, as reported by the ‘Los Angeles Times.’ .<br />The memo was reportedly intended to help teams<br />“safely welcome fans back to the ballparks in 2021.”.<br />The league explained its decision to not<br />mandate proof of COVID-19 testing, saying it<br />was “not practical” with current testing options. .<br />Mass testing of this kind is not practical<br />with the existing rapid testing options,<br />and testing is of limited utility when<br />done days in advance of an event, MLB, via ‘Los Angeles Times’.<br />They noted that their decision<br />could change if “any major advancement<br />in testing technology” occurs. .<br />MLB said teams should consult legal counsel before requiring any sort of vaccine requirement, as there is “uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution.”.<br />In addition, individual teams will be able to decide whether they want to enforce policies and standards such as proof of vaccination, proof of a negative test or temperature checks. .<br />State and local authorities could decide to mandate more restrictive standards, which they anticipate will include “pod” seating requirements. .<br />“Pod” seating would see tickets being sold<br />in a group, with at least six feet between groups. .<br />If authorities don’t require distanced seating, MLB said they would work to ensure some type of proper socially-distanced seating is put in place.<br />MLB will require fans to wear face-masks at all times,<br />except while eating and drinking in their seats. .<br />They also intend to enforce socially-distanced lines, provide hand-sanitizing stations and establish a six-foot buffer zone between fans and the playing field
