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Kyle’s update, 1:33 p.m.:
Counties make the call. And Santa Clara County says the #49ers won't have fans in attendance "anytime soon" in a statement that also notes rising COVID rates nationwide and increased risk in winter months. https://t.co/GAfcxr9E1m
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) October 20, 2020
The San Francisco 49ers issued a statement on Twitter on Tuesday stating that fans will be allowed back at Levi’s Stadium, possibly by their next home game:
Statement from the 49ers: pic.twitter.com/y9P32GotvG
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 20, 2020
So, 20% capacity at Levi’s Stadium comes out to about 13,600 fans. The next game home game is Thursday, Nov. 5, against the Green Bay Packers on a short week. There is nothing official yet, but it seems like the game against Green Bay is likely to have fans.
I understand there have been protocols put in place due to COVID, but what has changed since Week 1? The cases have dropped, but the virus hasn’t gone away. At a high school I used to coach at locally, 200 kids were forced to quarantine because they were exposed to someone who tested positive this week.
The 49ers will continue to work with Santa Clara County to get fans at their remaining home games, and they’ll likely benefit from the schedule as the 49ers have two upcoming road games. The 49ers have not been given clearance to host fans just yet.
The next step is getting approval from the county. The county has to be “orange tier” or better, meaning the Niners can welcome back fans at 20% capacity — at least those who live within 120 miles.