They’re back.
Fans will be in the stands Thursday for the New York Yankees’ Opening Day game at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees played the 2020 season in front of an empty ballpark in the Bronx because of the coronavirus pandemic.
N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo cleared the way for fans to return to stadiums in New York state at 20% capacity. That means almost 11,000 fans can go to Thursday’s game between the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays.
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When fans return, they will find strict protocols in place. Among them is the need to show proof of immunization or a negative COVID test.
In a conversation with the Washington Post, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was asked about New York’s COVID plans for fans.
I don’t really want to pass judgment, because then I get pitted against entire organizations. So, I mean, everybody has their own way of doing things. One of the ways is to require a negative test or proof of vaccination. I’m not saying that’s a bad idea, but it’s going to vary. As you said, some ballparks are allowing 100 percent capacity. Some want to start off at 10 to 20 percent capacity. And because everybody does things independently, you’re going to have a great variety of requirements that people are going to have. And one of them might be a negative test and proof of vaccination.
On the flip side, when the Texas Rangers play their home opener next week, the club will allow 100% capacity at Globe Life Park. As you would expect, Fauci isn’t on board with that plan.
Well, that’s interesting. I don’t want to be critical of that, but that’s — I would not start off with 100 percent capacity. But, you know, Texas has been always a bit more — what’s the right word? — daring when it comes to the kinds of things that they want to do in regards to this outbreak.
The Rangers’ plan doesn’t sit well with President Joe Biden, either. “Well, that’s a decision they made. I think it’s a mistake,” Biden said, per ESPN. “They should listen to Dr. [Anthony] Fauci, the scientists and the experts. But I think it’s not responsible.”
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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.