New Orleans COVID-19 policy: New 2021 protocol will effect college and pro games

The city of New Orleans released a statement on Thursday night outlining the new COVID-19 policy that will have an impact on all games played in the city this upcoming season.

The requirement from the City of New Orleans will impact the college opener between Tulane and Oklahoma, as well as the New Orleans Saints. Tualne and Oklahoma are set to play at Yulman Stadium.

This could be the first of many stadiums at both the professional and college level to make a similar move.

“As required by the City of New Orleans, fans will simply need to show their vaccination card or verified digital proof of vaccination (LA Wallet or other official government sanctioned app) or negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within the prior 72 hours to attend games,” the Saints said in a statement.

Spoke to Tulane AD Troy Dannen. He tells @yahoosports Tulane will be requiring vaccinations or a negative PCR test for everyone 12 and up within 72 hours to attend athletic events. This is in accordance with mayoral order for events of more than 500 people and all indoor events.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 12, 2021

The updated COVID-19 policy also requires masks worn in at all times, except when fans are eating and drinking.

“Per the Governor’s mandate and updated New Orleans regulations, masks will also be required at all times other than when eating or drinking,” the statement said.

Tulane and Oklahoma are set to meet at the Superdome on Sept. 4 at noon on ABC. The Saints host the Jaguars in a preseason game Monday.

“We are committed to doing everything we can in the current environment to protect your health and safety while at the same time providing the best game day experience in the NFL,” the Saints said in their statement. “Our team has been blessed with the greatest home field advantage in sports because we have the most committed, resilient and passionate fans in the world. We understand some will be frustrated, as are we, that we find ourselves in this position. We, as a community, have overcome so much in our history and come back stronger every time.”

Though the new rules feel strict, the Saints announced they continue to offer opportunities for free vaccinations with the goal of lifting the restrictions as the season progresses.

“We remain optimistic that, with our community’s help and as vaccination rates increase, these restrictions will no longer be necessary as the season progresses,” the Saints statement read. “To assist in that effort, the Saints will be teaming up with Ochsner Health on a number of free vaccination events throughout our region and outside of the Caesars Superdome on game day.”