The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
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Baylor is now allowing 100% capacity to all outdoor athletic events on the campus in Waco, Texas, in time for the final home baseball games of the season when the Bears host Big 12 rival Oklahoma for a three-game series that begins Friday night.
Athletic director Mack Rhoades said Tuesday that full-capacity policy is effective immediately. It followed a university announcement last week loosening restrictions on outdoor gatherings and activities on campus for the summer.
The policy will also apply to football games next fall at McLane Stadium, where tailgating will be allowed again, including the boats along the Brazos River. It will also apply at soccer, equestrian, cross country, softball and outdoor tennis. While strongly encouraged, mask wearing is optional.
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Canada’s deputy chief public health officer said Tuesday he doesn’t see the nation joining the U.S. in allowing fans into arenas during the NHL playoffs.
Dr. Howard Njoo says allowing fans into games is not under “serious consideration” at this point in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Njoo says the risk tolerance is much lower because hockey is played indoors.
The NHL has had all Canadian teams play exclusively in the country this year with no fans at any games. The Edmonton Oilers open the North Division playoffs against the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday, while the Toronto Maple Leafs start their series against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.
The winners square off in the second round before the Canadian survivor faces an American team in the third round.
Njoo says discussions are ongoing to determine if there can be cross-border travel in the third round and/or the Stanley Cup Final.
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The Cleveland Indians announced that Progressive Field is returning to full capacity on June 2 and masks will be optional.
There had been a cap of 40% at the downtown ballpark, which holds 35,000 fans. The move to open all the seats comes after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ended the state’s COVID-19 health orders.
Cleveland hosts the Chicago White Sox on June 2, the finale of a three-game series.
Also, the team said masks will no longer be a requirement to enter the ballpark.
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