LSU requiring fans at football games to be vaccinated or show negative test

Louisiana State University on Tuesday announced that it will require anyone age 12 and older to be vaccinated against coronavirus or to provide a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend a football game in Tiger Stadium.

LSU President William F. Tate IV said in a statement that the move comes as the university seeks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

“As the flagship institution of the state of Louisiana, our foremost responsibility is to ensure the safety of our students, our supporters, and our community,” Tate said. “While we are aware of the diverse perspectives across the nation regarding masks and vaccinations, we must take all reasonable measures to protect our campus and community, not only on gamedays, but long after guests have left Tiger Stadium. The current threat to our lives, our health, and to our medical systems due to COVID-19 is overburdening our hospitals, and we must do our part to stop the spread.”

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) celebrated the university’s news in a tweet, encouraging fans to get vaccinated.

“Thank you to @LSU and @LSUfootball for helping keep fans safe in Tiger Stadium this year. You still have time to Geaux Get Vaccinated before kickoff!” he wrote.

Thank you to @LSU and @LSUfootball for helping keep fans safe in Tiger Stadium this year. You still have time to Geaux Get Vaccinated before kickoff! #lagov #GeauxTigers #SleevesUp https://t.co/DS6fZFfSVw

— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) August 24, 2021

According to the university, those attending football games will be asked to provide a hard copy vaccination card, verified digital proof of vaccination or a photocopy or photo of a vaccination card in order to prove their vaccination status.

Those who have received only one dose of the vaccine will still be allowed to enter the stadium.

As of Tuesday, Louisiana has reported 3,814 new coronavirus cases, 139 new coronavirus-related deaths and over 2,800 people currently admitted to the hospital as a result of contracting the virus.

Nearly 91 percent of the state’s current hospitalizations are among the unvaccinated, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.