With the rapid spread of the delta variant and increased gathering at sporting events, another HBCU is requiring spectators to do their part to help reduce the impact of COVID-19.
North Carolina A&T announced Wednesday that it will require fans to provide proof of vaccination a negative COVID-19 diagnostic PCR test within 72 hours prior to entrance into on-campus sporting events.
The vaccination proof must be either the original vaccination card or a printed copy, officials said in a news release. North Carolina A&T will require unvaccinated fans under 12 years of age to take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours before home contests and prove they have a negative result.
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“We are thrilled to see our student-athletes getting a chance to play football again after more than 600 days away from the sport they love,” said N.C. A&T Director of Athletics, Earl M. Hilton III, in a statement. “It is also wonderful to see fans back inside stadiums and arenas across the country. Our goal at North Carolina A&T is to make sure our fans have fun tailgating, socializing, and watching Aggies Athletics while keeping everyone safe. We ask our fans to help in this effort by getting vaccinated or showing proof of a negative COVID-19 test.”
Other HBCUs such as Southern, also will require fans to wear masks and provide proof of vaccination at home football games.
Morehouse College recently announced that it was moving away from its traditional homecoming activities because of record COVID-19 case counts in Georgia. Students and school employees are already required to be vaccinated.
But the football game against Fort Valley State University will still be played as planned, on Oct. 16.
Attendance for Tuskegee home football games will be limited to currently enrolled students, faculty, and a “designated contingent group” from the visiting team to reduce COVID-19 risk.
