The persistent COVID-19 pandemic has forced municipalities and governments across the country to adopt continued health and safety protocols, and now New Orleans is joining them. The Times-Picayune | Advocate reported Thursday that Mayor LaToya Cantrell plans to announce visitors to many indoors facilities — including restaurants, bars, and the Caesars Superdome — will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result before allowed entrance. Masks are also still expected to be required indoors.
However, Saints games will be allowed to host full-capacity crowds. That’s good news for one of the NFL’s most diehard fanbases, which was limited to a fraction of their number in the stands last season. But if fans want to attend, they’ll either need to get vaccinated or take precautions before buying tickets.
It’s part of a trend growing across the league; the Baltimore Ravens will require masks for guests visiting their M&T Bank Stadium, starting this weekend with the Saints flying in to kick off their preseason on Aug. 14. New Orleans’ first preseason home game is scheduled for Aug. 23, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while their regular season home opener is on Sept. 12 versus the Green Bay Packers.
This is a developing story, so check back for updates.
