NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints plan to host 750 family members of players, coaches and staff at this weekend’s Green Bay Packers game to test health and safety protocols before more fans can return to games.
This allows them to keep a firm handle on who is attending for safety and tracing.
A statement from the team on Thursday said it will be a “strict test” of health screenings, mobile ticketing, social distancing, and other health and safety enhancements. The team said facemasks will be required and all of those participating will sit in the West Plaza sideline.
There will be limited concessions available, however, no alcohol will be served.
“I think it’s really exciting to be honest with you," said Lina Moses, PhD, who studies disease transmission as an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology for Tulane. “They’re adopting standards that are well known and very well established and there is evidence to suggest they work.”
The organization says the test has been approved by New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.
“This is open only to immediate family, allowing us to test our procedures while allowing us to have a firm handle on who is attending for the purposes of safety and tracing,” the statement from the team said. “Our goal is to use this strict test so that we can host as many fans as allowed based on local and state guidelines as soon as possible.”
The Saints’ goal is to eventually allow more fans inside.
“I think we’re a long ways away from seeing a full Superdome unfortunately, but the prospect of having some great fans and bringing the volume up in the Superdome is exciting,” Moses said.
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