Despite the second-wave spikes of COVID-19 across the nation, the NBA is still planning to host fans in various arenas when the league opens its season Dec. 22.
A four-page memo was distributed Wednesday to team presidents, GMs and arena directors on safety guidelines for admitting fans — providing those guidelines meet state regulations.
In the case of the Knicks and Nets, it does not meet regulations. Gov. Andrew Cuomo still has in place an edict stating “no live audience, fans, or spectators are allowed to attend or permitted to enter any professional sports venue, even if an outdoor venue.”
According to sources, the NBA memo emphasized safety to “provide a consistent standard for welcoming fans into arenas in a safe manner that reduces the risk of spread of COVID-19, is consistent with public health goals, and promotes fan confidence in attending NBA games.”
The memo indicated fan admittance may only be applicable to “some teams.’’
Gov. Cuomo does not appear to be closer to lifting the ban. On Wednesday, he implemented new curfew restrictions on indoor gatherings because of the spike.
Fans are seen inside the Staples Center for a matchup between the Clippers and 76ers in 2017.Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesA Garden spokesman told The Post, “We are following state guidelines. We look forward to the start of the season in December.”
Rest assured, there will be no “Celebrity Row” at the Garden. Fans won’t be permitted to sit “on the apron’’ of the court, the memo stated.
In fact, fans must be seated 15 feet behind either the team bench or 10 feet from the court sideline if the seat is not by the bench.
Some NFL teams allow partial capacity, but that’s for a sport played outdoors. Federal health officials blame the spikes on colder weather forcing gatherings inside.
Some of the NBA rules include a ticket-party group needing to sit 6 feet from another party of fans. A ticket party is permitted to sit together.
Upon entrance, fans must fill out a “symptom and exposure survey’’ and wear a mask unless eating or drinking.
However, those with tickets within 30 feet of the court must undergo and return a negative coronavirus test two days before tipoff or pass an NBA-approved rapid test the day of the game.
In addition, those seated within 30 feet of the court also can’t eat or drink at their seat, the memo stated.
Regarding suites, testing would not be required for fans if the suite/club were filled to 25 percent capacity or less.
The memo stated guidelines “may be modified’’ pending the pandemic’s ever-changing status.
