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LSU, which became the first SEC school to require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter Tiger Stadium this summer, announced on Friday that it would lift its protocols in time for the next home game of the Florida football team on October 10. 16.
Citing a reduction in the number of infections in Baton Rouge and across the state, the school said it would eliminate game-day testing, early pass pre-checking and all other procedures related to the Entrance.
Masks will no longer be mandatory in outdoor locations for guests under 12 years old.
However, as per state and campus guidelines, all guests will still be required to wear masks in interior areas of the stadium.
“Louisiana’s COVID-19 rates have dropped dramatically statewide over the past two weeks, and today the state has a positivity rate of less than five percent,” Dr. Catherine O’Neal, chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge and a member of the SEC’s back-to-work and medical advice task force, said in a statement. “With this success, we are able to lift the vaccine and testing requirements for entry to Tiger Stadium. Balancing mitigation efforts and risks in the ongoing fight to end the pandemic , we can protect our community and safely celebrate the traditions that bring us together. “
LSU sporting director Scott Woodward thanked fans for “stepping up to help stop the spread while supporting the Tigers.”
“Their commitment to protecting our community and supporting our student-athletes has never wavered,” he said. “We remain fully committed to providing as safe and enjoyable a game day experience as possible for all guests, and we will continue to work with university leaders and rely on medical expertise to ensure we take the precautions. reasonable and necessary to protect the health of our community. “
According to the statement, hospitalizations have declined by 80% in the past seven weeks.
“It’s incredible progress,” said O’Neal. “But the game is not over. This virus will reappear, and Louisiana needs to be prepared before it arrives again by getting vaccinated. The vaccines we have are safe and effective, and getting vaccinated is our best chance at defeating COVID-19. “
LSU, which suffered its second loss of the season at home to Auburn last weekend, will travel to the 16th Kentucky on Saturday.
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