TD Garden implements COVID-19 guidelines

We’re entering the third NBA season since the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world and changed how we go about our daily lives. Travel restrictions have become more stringent, sports stars have become used to daily testing at team facilities, and now fans over the age of 12 will be required to provide proof of either being fully vaccinated or testing negative on a recent PCR test.

In what the TD Garden website has dubbed “Play It Safe,” fans under the age of 12 will not be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test but will be expected to wear a face mask.

The Play It safe section of the TD Garden’s website also provides further elaboration on when an individual is considered to be “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19.

“Individuals are considered “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19 at least 14 days after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series (e.g. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or at least 14 days after they have received a single-dose vaccine (e.g. Johnson and Johnson/Janssen).”

Obviously, one of the biggest questions surrounding this information is “what do I do if I have tickets to a game and one of my parties gets sick beforehand?” Luckily, the TD Garden website has information on how to deal with this should the unfortunate event arise.

“If you have tickets to a game and you or a member of your party become sick and cannot agree to the Play It Safe Promise on the day of your event, you may transfer, resell, or donate your tickets through Account Manager.”

Regardless of your vaccination or testing status, fans will be required to wear masks at all times around the arena, with the only exception being when they’re actively eating or drinking. Fans will also be asked to make use of the Garden’s “touch-free” delivery service and will be actively encouraged to order food and drinks using the tough-free app.

You can find full information here, but with the pandemic still an ongoing issue across the world, the changes make sense in terms of getting fans into arenas and providing an enjoyable and safe environment for everyone involved.