LSU eliminating CDC wellness check for fans

Louisiana State University (LSU) announced Monday it would no longer require a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) medical wellness check for fans attending an upcoming home game against the University of Missouri in Baton Rouge, La.

Previously, fans were required to answer a questionnaire to assess the health and potential COVID-19 exposure before entering the stadium. The CDC Facilities COVID-19 Screening included questions about coronavirus symptoms, exposure and whether the person was awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.  

Now, fans will not be screened, according to the university, but will still be required to wear masks in the stadium seating areas. 

The school noted the decision was made “to reduce lines and wait times at gate entry points” but urged those coming to the game “to conduct a self-assessment before heading to the game to check for covid-19 symptoms.”

LSU has adjusted its COVID protocols for Tiger Stadium to remove the CDC wellness check and return alcohol sales

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— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 5, 2020

Louisiana reported 218 new coronavirus cases on Monday.

Overall, the state has seen more than 170,000 cases since the pandemic began and 5,586 deaths, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. 

The news comes after LSU football coach Ed Orgeron said in September he believes a majority of the team has already caught the coronavirus.

“I think most, not all of our players, but most of our players have caught it,” Orgeron told reporters last month. “So hopefully they won’t catch it again, and hopefully they’re not out for games.”

“I’m not going to say all of them,” he said. “But some players have caught it. I don’t know the percentage. Hopefully that once you catch it, you don’t get it again.”

LSU also announced that alcohol sales would be permitted moving forward.

“Today we notified athletic departments and teams that they may begin to sell alcohol at sporting events this weekend, if their stadium, arena or complex is in a parish that meets the threshold for bars reopening and also if their parish has opted in to open bars,” Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said in a statement.

“However, this will be limited to fans buying alcohol and returning to their seats to drink it and will require event managers to continue with their strong COVID mitigation measures, which are working,” he continued. 

LSU, the reigning national champions, are 1-1 this season.