LSU football lifts COVID-19 entrance protocols

Back in August, the LSU Tigers became the first SEC team to require proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or of a negative virus test to attend home football games. 

That will no longer be the case. 

LSU announced Friday that it is lifting its COVID-19 entrance protocols beginning with the home matchup against the Florida Gators on Oct. 16. 

3-2 LSU is at the 5-0 Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday. 

"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," chief medical officer at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge and SEC Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force member Dr. Catherine O’Neal said for the prepared 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."

Practically all virus-related restrictions for attending games are eliminated. Fans under the age of 12 no longer have to wear masks in outdoor spaces, but guests must still wear proper face coverings in the indoor portions of Tiger Stadium. 

"This is amazing progress," Dr. O’Neal added. "But the game is not over. This virus will surge again, and Louisiana must be prepared before it arrives yet again by getting vaccinated. The vaccines we have are safe and effective, and getting vaccinated is our best shot at defeating COVID-19."

LSU says coronavirus hospitalizations in Louisiana have decreased by 80% over the past seven weeks.