San Francisco explains why Warriors gamers should be vaccinated, however not visiting groups
Some found it strange that the city’s mandate only applies to Warriors players, and not opposing players who are supposedly unvaccinated, like Kyrie Irving of Brooklyn Nets or Bradley Beal of Washington Wizards. Attempts to explain the discrepancy have largely presented the issue as a legal and judicial issue rather than a political decision on behalf of the city. (“Then [visiting players] are not employees of a company that is below the city limits, the rules do not currently apply, “read a paragraph from a recent article in The Athletic.)
However, the city’s health department is currently requiring bars, gyms, and restaurants to screen customers for evidence of vaccinations, whether or not those customers live in the city. The Department of Health is also using its power to mandate masks, physical distancing and testing for non-vaccinated players out of town, strongly suggesting it can expel non-vaccinated opponent players from the chase center if so desired.
When SFGATE asked the San Francisco Department of Health why the vaccination rule does not apply to visitor teams, the Department of Health cited “practical restrictions” and the “fragile economic recovery of the city” – but no legal restrictions.
“Our main focus at this stage of the pandemic is to vaccinate as many people as possible who live, work and study in San Francisco,” the department said in a statement to SFGATE on Monday. “So we’ll get through this. Vaccinations remain the gold standard for COVID-19 prevention. The transmission potential increases with regular exposure. For artists or athletes who come to a large venue, we can use tests to reduce the risk. Masking and distancing for this once in a lifetime event.
“It is much more difficult for artists who work in San Francisco regularly to maintain all of these measures without vaccination over time, athletes or performers who are not based here and are only visiting briefly. Our health system should protect public health and find the right balance. “
The NBA previously announced that it would abide by all local rules regarding COVID-19 vaccines for players, despite the fact that the league has decided to require vaccines for coaches and team members. There appears to be nothing stopping San Francisco from banning unvaccinated guest players from playing games if it so wishes.
