The Buffalo Bills announced on Wednesday that all people attending games at Highmark Stadium in Orchid Park, from vendors to staff and fans, will be required to wear masks. This is regardless of their vaccination status, per the team’s social media.
The requirement is for all indoor spaces. Those who have been vaccinated can go maskless while outdoors, and those who have not received vaccinations for COVID-19 are required to wear masks—even outdoors. But if you’ve been vaccinated and need to use the restroom, then get ready to mask up.
Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images
The new rule is in conjunction with the Erie County Department of Health that says mask or face coverings must be worn at indoor settings.
“Per the updated guidance from the Erie County Department of Health, masks and facial coverings will be required for all fans, staff, and vendors regardless of vaccination status when visiting the indoor settings at Highmark Stadium,” the statement read.
The new, local law in Erie County was adopted as the Delta variant of COVID-19 has surged in the country.
“This includes all indoor areas, indoor club levels, concourses, suites, restrooms and other indoor spaces. If you are fully vaccinated, masks will not be required in the outdoor areas of the stadium.”
This won’t apply to the Bills first preseason game this Friday as they play on the road at the Detroit Lions. The only preseason home game for the Bills in 2021 will be Aug. 28 against the Green Bay Packers. The first regular season game, which is Sept. 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, will be a home game for Buffalo.
The Bills are the team of wide receiver Cole Beasley, who earlier this summer said he vowed to not get a vaccination, garnering national news for his comments.
The Bills made it to the AFC Championship game last season before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills are favored by many to win the AFC East crown again this year.
