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Presented by CVS Health
Remember last month, when state lawmakers
voted to strip a scandal-scarred Gov. Andrew Cuomo of his emergency powers, or at least said they did? You could be forgiven for forgetting, given the stream of pronouncements that have continued from the governor’s office ever since, governing everything from closing time at gyms and casinos to restaurant capacity to attendance at sporting events.
arrow Buffalo Bills fans watch an NFL football game in Orchard Park, New York. Jeffrey T Barnes/AP/Shutterstock
The bargain is simple for Buffalo Bills fans: Get vaccinated, and you can enter the stadium. Erie County officials hope that this pledge will encourage fans who want to attend in-person games to get COVID-19 shots. But the proposal will require proof of inoculation for entry, raising questions from public health experts and resistance from Governor Andrew Cuomo.
On Tuesday, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz unveiled the seemingly straightforward plan for the NFL’s next season.
“You want to go to a Bills game later this year? Get vaccinated with your first dose of the Moderna vaccine today. You get your second dose of the Moderna vaccine in four weeks,” Poloncarz said. “Two weeks later, you ll be able to fill out the pass, and in the fall, you ll be cheering on Josh Allen at the stadium.”
Bills Fans Must Be Vaccinated to Sit in The Stands
We are all hoping to be able to attend sporting events in the fall and no fan base is more anxious to get back in the stands than Bills Mafia. There is one stipulation, however when the season kicks off.
According to WKBW.com, if Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz s plan is in place, to be able to fill the stands at Highmark Stadium (Bills Stadium) to capacity, all fans will have to be vaccinated. There are mixed feelings from season ticket holders and Bills fans. For one, they aren t quite sure how they will be able to prove it. Also, some wonder why a negative COVID-19 test isn t enough. But others are all for it saying that if all fans in the stands are vaccinated, they will feel safer attending the games.
Coronavirus NY: Restaurants to stay open later in New York - but is it enough?
Replay Video UP NEXT
Restaurants in New York can finally stay open a little later, but people who work in the industry say it s still not late enough.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday he is extending the 11 p.m. restaurant curfew to midnight starting Monday April 19.
The curfew on catered events moves from midnight to 1 a.m.
And yes: if you order an alcoholic beverage, it still has to come with food.
Indoor capacity will be limited to 50 percent.
WATCH: Gov. Cuomo on easing restrictions
You’ll Need This On Your Phone To Enter Bills Games This Season
In case you missed the news on Tuesday afternoon, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced at his press conference to the media that they expect full-in-person attendance to take place at Bills games this upcoming fall, but only people who are fully vaccinated would be allowed entry into Highmark Stadium.
The same would go for Sabres games next season as well, but how will they handle entry to the stadium or arena? With vaccine cards?
No, actually. According to Poloncarz, fans will have to show they re vaccinated through the Excelsior Pass App.