US Tennis Association Reverses Course, Will Now Require Proof Of Vaccination For US Open Fans – CBS New York

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The United States Tennis Association has modified its vaccination coverage for the U.S. Open.
Friday afternoon, the USTA introduced proof of a minimum of one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine shall be required for all ticketholders over the age of 12.
Initially, it was introduced that the event could be again to full capability with no necessities for masks, vaccines or a latest COVID take a look at.
These protocols are much like these at New York’s baseball stadiums, which have been at full capability since June with no vaccine mandates.
“I’ve gotten vaccinated myself, and I do know the vast majority of of us do get vaccinated, so I really feel snug with out carrying a masks and such,” mentioned Robert Hikel, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
READ MORE: No Masks Or Proof Of Vaccination Required For US Open Fans
The choice to host an enormous tennis event with followers from all around the world and never require vaccines drew some criticism.
“That is alarming,” New York Metropolis Councilman Mark Levine mentioned.
Levine is chair of the Metropolis Council’s well being committee.
“And if there’s no screening for vaccination, or perhaps a damaging take a look at, that is an especially high-risk occasion,” he mentioned.
CBS2’s Dr. Max Gomez says outside is all the time safer in terms of crowds, however he provides, “There isn’t a such factor as zero threat once you’re at an occasion with tens of hundreds of followers, many not carrying masks and who will not be vaccinated. There’s an opportunity, in all probability very small, that you possibly can get contaminated with this coronavirus.”
The USTA says they determined to alter their coverage after they discovered the mayor’s workplace could be mandating proof of vaccination for the doorway to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“Given the persevering with evolution of the Delta variant and consistent with our intention to place the well being and security of our followers first, the USTA will prolong the Mayor’s requirement to all US Open ticket holders 12-years-old and older,” the USTA mentioned in a press release.
New York Metropolis requires vaccination for indoor eating, gyms and many different indoor actions.
On Aug. 3, Mayor Invoice de Blasio known as the vaccine “the important thing to the town.”
“For those who’re vaccinated, all that’s going to confide in you,” he mentioned. “However for those who’re unvaccinated, sadly, you won’t be able to take part in lots of issues.”
Because the world’s prime tennis stars put together for the U.S. Open, followers are ecstatic to be again in particular person.
“It’s loopy. You may inform the distinction within the vitality of the gamers, too,” Mineola resident Jai Menun mentioned.
Followers had been banned from the Open final yr because of COVID.
MORE NEWS: Jets’ Zach Wilson Is The New Face Of The NFL (On Twitter)
CBS2’s Nick Caloway contributed to this report.
https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/08/27/us-open-tennis-covid-vaccine-masks-required/ | US Tennis Affiliation Reverses Course, Will Now Require Proof Of Vaccination For US Open Followers – CBS New York