NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — The United States Tennis Association on Friday announced it has changed its vaccination policy for guests attending the US Open in Queens next week.
In a tweet, the USTA announced that all guests over the age of 12 will now be required to provide proof of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine before entering the event.
Initially, event organizers had planned for the tournament to return to full capacity, with no requirements surrounding masks, vaccines or COVID-19 testing.
The USTA said Friday that the event will be required to ask for proof of vaccination under guidelines set by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
“Today, the USTA was informed that the New York City Mayor’s office will be mandating proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entrance to Arthur Ashe Stadium during the US Open,” the association wrote in a statement. “Given the continuing evolution of the Delta variant and in keeping with our intention to put the health and safety of our fans first, the USTA will extend the Mayor’s requirement to all US Open ticket holders 12-years-old and older.”
USTA National Tennis Center CEO Danny Zausner had previously said that there were no concerns about COVID-19 spreading at the US Open, as the event is held outdoors.
“We have an incredibly high percentage of fans that are vaccinated but, again we are an outdoor event with no shortage of air circulation in the summertime,” he said Thursday.
However, the decision to forego COVID-19 precautions drew sharp criticism from New York City officials, including City Councilman Mark Levine, who chairs the City Council’s health committee.
“This is alarming… this an extremely high-risk event,” Levine had said prior to Friday’s announcement.
The US Open had previously said that masks were going to be required in all indoor spaces at the event and proof of vaccination would be required to eat indoors.
It remains unclear if participants in the tournament will have to provide proof of vaccination as well. However, all competitors will be tested for COVID-19 when they arrive in New York, and then every four days.