The outlook is encouraging: The start of the 2021 MLB season would include fans if much of the population is vaccinated.
Spring training has already started, and although MLB Opening Day is scheduled for April 1, the possibility of returning with fans in the stands is already underway.
The United States is moving rapidly with vaccination against COVID-19, in fact Yankee Stadium was adapted as an application.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, an expert in infectious diseases, spoke about the issue and assured that although the possibilities are high, it will be important to maintain sanitary measures to prevent infections.
“We could have people in the stands, maybe not next to each other; there will be public health restrictions such as the use of face masks and things like that, “the doctor explained on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight podcast.
Likewise, Fauci explained that the return of MLB fans depends on whether the cases decrease and how strong the impact of the variants of the coronavirus is.
The protocols in MLB
Heading into the rest of spring training, teams like the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and Washington Nationals already have tickets on sale. In addition, there are already defined health protocols.
Among other things, the Major Leagues and the Players Association agreed to keep the 7-inning doubleheader and runners on second base to start extra innings.
In addition, a much more accurate contact tracing process will be included, with the intention of detecting and preventing COVID-19 infections. The use of technology will be of utmost importance, as it seeks to reduce the number of postponed games (45 in 2020).
The spring training began on February 17, and in 3 days, there were 13 positive cases among 4,336 tests carried out. It involves nine players and four staff people.