NBA fans who attend games next season will have to wear masks. Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Fans who attend NBA games must wear masks per memo sent to teams

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/11/20

The start of the 2020-21 NBA season is right around the corner. With training camps set to open on Dec. 1, the league is beginning to lay out multiple health and safety protocols not only for players, but for fans, too.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the NBA sent a memo to all teams on Wednesday with details about protocols for eligible markets to host fans. Fans within 30 feet of the court must register a negative coronavirus test two days prior to the game or rapid test on game day. All fans over the age of two must also wear masks at all times.

All fans are required to wear masks (above age of 2), socially distance, undergo symptom surveys. Food and beverage are not allowed for those within 30 feet of court. Teams would have option to install a plexiglass behind benches. https://t.co/Rr0YMpebdb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 11, 2020

Here are some more protocols the NBA has laid out, per Charania:

For arena suites at 25% capacity or less, testing would not be required for fans. Teams would be permitted for 50% if all fans were tested or if local county's positivity rate is three percent or below and seven-day average of new cases per 100K residents is 10 or fewer. https://t.co/Rr0YMpebdb
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 11, 2020

Although the season is set to begin next month, health officials are concerned with the start date. Officials fear that players who had more rest and didn't play in the NBA bubble last season could suffer soft tissue injuries. They're also concerned about the rise in coronavirus cases across the country.

Despite those concerns, it appears the upcoming NBA season is full steam ahead.

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