Story at a glance
- Louisiana State University (LSU) is lifting its vaccine verification rules and negative test policy for entrance into the school’s football stadium.
- The university previously required proof of vaccination for all attendees or proof of a negative test.
- All fans will still be required to wear masks while occupying indoor spaces at the stadium.
Louisiana State University (LSU) is lifting its vaccine verification and negative test policy for entrance into the school’s football stadium ahead of its upcoming match-up with the University of Florida.
The university previously required proof of vaccination for all attendees or proof of a negative test. Further, masks will no longer be required outdoors for fans under the age of 12.
LSU’s gameday COVID-19 rule modification follows declining cases and hospitalizations across the region, the university said in a statement on Friday.
“The COVID-19 rates in Louisiana have dropped dramatically across the state over the last couple of weeks, and today, the state has a positivity rate below five percent,” Catherine O’Neal, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge and a member of the SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force, said in the statement.
“Because of this success, we are able to lift the vaccine and testing requirements for entry into Tiger Stadium. By balancing mitigation efforts and risk in the ongoing fight to end the pandemic, we can protect our community and safely celebrate the traditions that bring us together,” she added.
All fans will still be required to wear masks while occupying indoor spaces at the stadium.
Our country is in a historic fight against the coronavirus. Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news.
Data provided by the university shows an 80 percent decrease in hospitalizations over a seven week period as well as 23 percent increase in the state’s vaccination rate. More than 2.1 million Louisiana residents are fully vaccinated.
University President William Tate, who met with President Biden last month to discuss COVID-19 mitigation strategies, set a deadline in August for students to show proof of partial vaccination by Sept. 10 and full vaccination by Oct. 15.
As of Oct. 6, there were 42 active COVID-19 cases at LSU, according to university data. The university has documented 820 total cases since May 9.
READ MORE STORIES FROM CHANGING AMERICA
WHY ELON MUSK IS MOVING TESLA FROM CALIFORNIA TO TEXAS
SEN LINDSEY GRAHAM BOOED AND SHOUTED DOWN FOR TELLING CROWD TO CONSIDER GETTING VACCINATED
WOMAN FINDS GIANT 4-CARAT DIAMOND AT US STATE PARK — AND GETS TO KEEP IT
RARE CANINE THAT LOOKS LIKE A LION IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE DOG IN THE WORLD
Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
