Major League Baseball does not plan to ask fans to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or vaccine before entering a stadium in 2021, according to a league memo obtained by Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.
However, MLB will allow teams to decide whether they want spectators to provide tests or undergo a temperature check before entering, the memo adds.
“Mass testing of this type is impractical with existing rapid testing options, and testing is of limited utility when conducted days before an event,” the league explained.
MLB will order the following:
Fans must wear masks at all times, except when eating or drinking in their seats.
Social distancing will be reinforced when entering and leaving stadiums and while waiting for concessions and merchandise.
Sanitizer and hand wash stations will be widely available
A buffer zone of at least 6 feet shall be established between the fans and the field of play.
This could change if state and local authorities impose their own more restrictive procedures.
The league expects state and local authorities to enforce “capsule seating” for at least the beginning of the season. This would require tickets to be purchased in groups, which would be located 6 feet apart from each other.
MLB played the entire 2020 regular season without fan attendance, but allowed a limited number of people to attend the National League Championship Series and the World Series. No temperature checks were required to attend those games, which took place in Texas.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said in November that the league “will be more aggressive” about fans attending games in 2021 as long as municipalities allow them to attend.
