NBA says fully vaccinated head coaches don't have to wear masks during games

Fully vaccinated head coaches will no longer be required to wear face masks on the sidelines, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The updated guidance comes from increased vaccination rates among head coaches and updated protocols issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Charania notes.

We relayed last week that the league was discussing changes to health and safety protocols after the CDC updated its guidance for fully vaccinated individuals. Per the statement. it was announced, “fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”

Additionally, NBA commissioner Adam Silver revealed that approximately 75% of players have been vaccinated. The league also reported just one new COVID-19 positive case out of nearly 500 players tested since May 12.