Here we go again.
With Covid cases rising and the emergence of a new variant, Omicron, TD Garden says it will step up mask enforcement measurements during Celtics and Bruins home games, according to the Globe. But public health experts say that might not be enough.
By early next year, some predict the Garden and other indoor venues will be forced to reduce capacity.
"If our hospitals are pressed even more and if there are double the number of cases per day in six weeks, I think it will be untenable to keep a fully packed arena with people munching on popcorn," Dr. Asaf Bitton, an executive director at Brigham and Women's Hospital, told the Globe.
While the Garden requires proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test for all guests, Dr. Bitton says officials could go further, such as providing surgical masks. Currently, fans must wear face coverings unless they are actively eating or drinking. A Garden spokesperson recognizes enforcement has been difficult.
"The last two weeks with the numbers going up, we've been watching as closely as everyone else," said TD Garden spokesperson Tricia McCorkle. "People are good about wearing their masks when they're going in," but it's when fans are in their seats, when they're eating or, frequently, not eating, or getting up to go to the bathroom when they forget."
Positive Covid cases are skyrocketing across pro sports, with the NHL postponing the Bruins' game Saturday in Montreal. The Bruins have seven players and two staff members currently in Covid protocol, including Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron.
The Celtics have three players in Covid protocol: Al Horford, Grant Williams and Jabari Parker.
Though the Omicron variant appears to be more contagious than previous strains, it seems to be more mild. Statistics out of South Africa, where Omicron was first discovered last month, show hospitalizations have fallen 91% during the Omicron wave.
