By: Jay Ashdown
Canisius College’s athletic department announced on Thursday, Sept. 30 that it has updated the COVID-19 fan attendance policy. All spectators are now required to provide proof of vaccination to be admitted into any intercollegiate athletic event.
The update to this policy will officially go into effect on Monday, Oct. 4, and will include all home sporting events on-campus, as well as any event held at the ECC Burt Flickinger Center pool, LECOM HarborCenter and at KeyBank Center.
A vaccination card, a New York State Excelsior Pass, the CLEAR Digital Vaccine Card, a Canadian Vaccination Receipt or a digital vaccine verification card issued by states other than New York will all be acceptable forms of vaccination proof. According to Canisius rules, photos of vaccine cards will not be accepted to get into games.
This news comes in lieu of a recent announcement from the college requiring its faculty, staff and students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Faculty and staff must submit proof of full vaccination by Nov. 22, while students must be fully vaccinated by Jan. 18.
Vaccinated fans do not need to wear a mask during outdoor events at the Demske Sports Complex so long as social distancing can be maintained, but masks must be worn at all times in any indoor sporting events.
Any attendees aged 12 and older must provide proof that they have had at least one dose of the vaccine to be allowed to attend events on campus. By Oct. 29, all spectators must provide proof they have completed their vaccination series. No exceptions will be granted after the Oct. 29 deadline.
According to the athletic department and GoGriffs.com, these rules are subject to change.