Louisiana State University released its COVID-19 protocols on Monday for upcoming football games after a review of previous policies, as reported by The Athletic’s LSU beat reporter Brody Miller on Twitter.
Both of the changes mentioned are rather startling given that there is still an active pandemic that has interrupted both collegiate and professional sports, but hubris is strong in the Southeastern Conference.
First of all, there will be no CDC wellness checks when entering Tiger Stadium, with the intent to speed entry and reduce the build-up in lines. While this particular change is not egregious on the surface, we have not yet reached a stage in the pandemic where we should be letting our guard down.
Secondly, LSU is permitting alcohol to be sold at the game, for which there is really no good explanation. The reduction in inhibitions that alcohol intoxication cause is the exact opposite of the vigilance that is needed to steer through this autumn’s season; if the fans cannot enjoy the game without booze, then perhaps there is another problem that needs to be confronted as well.
#LSU announces changes to its gameday COVID-19 protocols:
-No CDC wellness checks, which an LSU spokesperson says is to increase speed of entry and reduce build up in lines.
-The return of alcohol sales— Brody Miller (@BrodyAMiller) October 5, 2020
Coronavirus infection numbers have been in decline and much should be credited to those who have obeyed social distancing and mask-wearing orders. Moves like LSU’s only serve to taunt fate and do nothing positive for the fanbase or the sport as a whole.
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