The NFL announced Wednesday that if its stadiums are able to host fans this season, face masks will be mandatory.
Unlike the other three sports, football doesn’t have a league-wide policy on allowing fans. It appears the NFL will allow teams to decide for themselves instead. Nearly one-third of the league plays in states currently suffering a spike in coronavirus cases.
As pro sports teams try to avoid creating “superspreader” events, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that masks greatly reduce transmission of the virus and are essential when social distancing is not possible.
With the NFL moving toward canceling the preseason, it’s first game will be the Sept. 10 season opener featuring the Texans at Chiefs. The Bears open Sept. 13 at the Lions and play their first game at Soldier Field on Sept. 20 against the Giants.
