Major League Baseball is not planning to require fans entering ballparks in 2021 to provide proof of vaccination or show a negative COVID-19 test result, according to a memo from MLB obtained on Monday by the Los Angeles Times.
“Mass testing of this kind is not practical with the existing rapid testing options, and testing is of limited utility when done days in advance of an event,” per the memo. But, that could change in the event of “any major advancement in testing technology.”
If individual teams choose to require proof of vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test or temperature checks MLB will not oppose it, but the league will not make any of those measures mandatory.
“Clubs retain discretion in this area and may choose to require fans — or a subset of fans, such as suite holders — to test, but barring any major advancement in testing technology, the commissioner’s office will not mandate any form of testing for fans,” the memo states.
Of course, the league has no say as to whether state and local authorities impose more restrictive standards, and MLB did note in the memo that all safety policies are subject to change as the public health situation shifts across the country.
As they were during the National League Championship Series and World Series at Globe Life Park in Texas last season, tickets for games are expected to be sold in pods with seating at least six feet apart and reduced capacity in suites, USA Today reports.
All fans over the age of two will be required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose during games, except when eating or drinking at their seats.
Spring training games are scheduled to start on February 27 and, though no tickets are available yet, it is possible fans will be in attendance as early as next month.
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