NEWSLETTER
With COVID-19 cases sadly back on the rise, and the increase in cases involving the Delta variant of the virus, the world at-large is beginning to adapt public health and safety protocols when it comes to vaccination requirements. Businesses and event venues are beginning to require patrons to provide proof of vaccination, or a recent negative COVID-19 test, to have entry or access to their facility or event.
That now goes for people who work with NHL teams and their venues as well.
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the NHL has notified their clubs of new COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
NHL sent a memo updating vaccination requirements to its teams: "Any person whose job, role, position or access entails or entitles them to have personal interactions (within 12 feet) with Club Hockey Operations personnel (including Players) are required to be Fully Vaccinated."
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) August 13, 2021
Friedman added that the league and the NHLPA have yet to finalize the requirements for the players themselves.
The Chicago Blackhawks were one of the last NHL teams in the U.S. to allow fans back into the stands, seating a limited number of fans for the final two home games of the season. Around the city, many bars, restaurants, and businesses are now requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative test for entry.
Just a few weeks ago, the city held the Lollapalooza music festival and over 385,000 people attended the event over the course of four days, including members of the Blackhawks. Proof of vaccination, or a recent (within 72 hours) negative test was required for entry to the festival. Just this week, it was reported that 203 COVID cases were linked back to Lollapalooza, or roughly 0.0005% of attendees, with no reports of any hospitalizations or deaths.
This news from the league comes just a few days after the Winnipeg Jets announced, on their own, that they were requiring proof of full vaccination for entry into home games this season.
Statement from True North Sports + Entertainment regarding venue vaccination policy.
For more information, please read our FAQs found here >> https://t.co/6g4OMNH4Uy pic.twitter.com/jSRfM8k6mX
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) August 11, 2021
The Jets and their AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose are the first teams in the NHL and AHL that will be requiring proof of vaccination for entry to games, and it is likely they will not be the only ones.
