Nets to require employees and fans to be vaccinated in order to attend games at Barclays Center

The Brooklyn Nets will require employees and fans to be vaccinated in order to attend games and events at Barclays Center.

The team announced the news Friday, saying it will go into effect Sept. 13.

Individuals age-12 and up will have to show proof of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to attend events at Barclays Center. The Nets noted that fans have told the team "vaccination is important," suggesting some fans might feel more comfortable going to Nets games if they knew everyone else in the arena was vaccinated.

The team is making the move after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced most indoor events in the city would require proof of vaccination from those hoping to attend. The mandate applies to restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and other indoor events — like basketball and hockey games. de Blasio said the new rules were put in place to try and ensure more people receive one of the the COVID-19 vaccines.

Nets not the only team enforcing COVID-19 rules

The Nets are not the only professional sports team requiring fans to be vaccinated — or be in the process of being vaccinated — to attend games. Fans who want to attend a Golden State Warriors game at the Chase Center will also need to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

The Chase Center will enact that policy after the San Francisco Department of Public Health issued a proof of vaccination mandate for people who want to attend certain indoor events.

The New Orleans Saints will abide by similar rules after Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced a proof of vaccination mandate for indoor events. Louisiana citizens may also show a negative COVID-19 test from past 72 hours if they are unvaccinated. That is not the case in New York City or San Francisco.

Cities around the United States are introducing vaccine mandates as the delta variant of COVID-19 spreads across the country. COVID-19 cases are up in the U.S. compared to June. While breakthrough cases among vaccinated individuals are possible, the majority of hospitalizations and deaths from the delta variant COVID-19 are occurring in those who are unvaccinated.

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