Fact check: COVID-19 rules in place for Super Bowl in Los Angeles, despite online claims
The claim: California is pausing COVID-19 restrictions for the Super Bowl
The Rams and the Bengals are gearing up for Super Bowl LVI, and with the internet already rife with discussion about the game – from odds, to COVID protocols – it’s no surprise that related misinformation has begun to circulate.
A Jan. 31 Facebook post claims California will pause COVID-19 restrictions for the game.
“HYPOCRITES! CA Will Pause COVID Rules For NFL Super Bowl LVI In City With Most Closed Businesses Since COVID Pandemic Began,” 100 Percent FED Up, a popular conservative page, wrote in the post.
The post and the article it cites accumulated more than 350 shares within 10 days. But the claim is false.
California and Los Angeles County will continue to enforce public health measures at SoFi Stadium during the Super Bowl. Attendees will be required to wear masks and show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test, with some exceptions for very small children.
USA TODAY reached out to 100 Percent FED Up for comment.
COVID-19 rules apply to Super Bowl attendees
Due to a drop in COVID-19 cases, California's statewide indoor mask mandate will end Feb. 15 for vaccinated people. But the Super Bowl takes place two days prior, and fans attending the game will be subject to several public health protocols, according to the Los Angeles Times.
SoFi Stadium will require all spectators age 5 and older to show either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter the stadium. Those opting for the latter can take a PCR test up to 48 hours before the game or an antigen test up to 24 hours before.
Fans ages 2 and older must also wear masks, except when actively eating or drinking. The stadium will provide free KN95 masks to all spectators, according to the L.A. Times.
SoFi Stadium is taking additional safety precautions for the Super Bowl as well.
Local news channel KTLA reported the stadium will offer only cashless transactions. There will also be 400 touchless hand sanitizer dispensers.
These protocols aren’t new – SoFi has had “extensive” measures to combat COVID-19 for all of the Rams’ and Chargers’ regular-season games, Rams Chief Operating Officer Kevin Demoff told ESPN.
Our rating: False
Based on our research, we rate FALSE the claim that California will pause COVID-19 rules for the Super Bowl. For most attendees, SoFi stadium will require masks and proof of either vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
Our fact-check sources
USA TODAY, Feb. 9, NFL chief medical officer: 'Absolutely possible' players could miss Super Bowl due to COVID-19
Los Angeles Times, Feb. 1, COVID rules and guidelines for Super Bowl LVI visitors
KTLA, Feb. 2, What are the COVID-19 health and safety rules at SoFi Stadium for Super Bowl LVI?
ESPN, Jan. 13, NFL, organizers say Super Bowl not moving from SoFi Stadium amid COVID-19 surge in California
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Feb. 7, Tweet
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fact check: COVID-19 vaccine, mask rules in place for Super Bowl