Topline
LSU announced Friday that it will no longer require fans to show proof of Covid vaccine or a recent negative test to be allowed to play in the university's 102k-seat stadium. This is contrary to a national trend where businesses and public agencies are enacting more stringent mandates with stronger enforcement.
LSU fans celebrate in the fourth quarter of a college football match against Arkansas. [+] Baton Rouge on November 25, 2011. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Key Facts
LSU was the most powerful college football team with a mandate to fans. However, enforcement of that mandate during LSU's three home games this season has been patchy. LSU released a statement citing a decrease in Covid spread in Louisiana in recent weeks. It noted that the testing positivity rate has fallen to 5%, and that hospitalizations have dropped by 80% in the seven weeks since. The CDC states that the state remains in the highest risk category for Covid transmission. 62 of the 64 parishes have either "high" (or "substantial") spread. The mask mandate that covers outdoor areas, including seats, of the stadium has been lifted. LSU will host the University of Florida in its next home match on October 16.
Important Quote
"The game isn't over. "This virus will return, and Louisiana must prepare for it by getting vaccinated," said Dr. Catherine ONeal (chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, Baton Rouge, Louisiana).
Big Number
46%. According to the Mayo Clinic, that's the percentage of Louisiana residents who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This is the sixth-lowest level of vaccination in the country.
Important Background
LSU's move is completely in opposition to a national trend towards more mandates and better enforcement. Many businesses like Walgreens, UPS, and United Airlines have recently implemented vaccine mandates for at least some employees. In the weeks and months ahead, many more businesses will be enforcing mandates. LSU was one of the first to adopt a vaccine mandate for fans on August 24, however, it is becoming more common in the world of sports. Four NFL teams, including the New Orleans Saints and LSU, require fans to provide proof of vaccinations or test results. Mandates will be in effect for at least half the league's arenas during the next NBA season.
What to Watch
Last month, President Joe Biden announced that the federal government would create guidelines for businesses employing more than 100 people to require them to be vaccinated against Covid-19. These new rules will affect approximately 80 million workers in the private sector. The overwhelming compliance with vaccine mandates has been achieved so far. Most businesses and government agencies reported that vaccination rates for workers rose to well above 90% before mandates were enforced.
Continue reading
Half of NBA teams require Covid-19 vaccines or tests to allow fans to attend games. See the full list (Forbes).
LSU requires proof of covid vaccination or negative test for football games (Forbes).
Here's Proof that Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates Work (Forbes).
New vaccine mandates are being drafted for 100 million Americans (The Associated Press).
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