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PROVO — BYU fans should plan for extra time the next time they go to a basketball game, volleyball match, gymnastics meet or other indoor events on campus.
Beginning Jan. 20 — roughly as soon as event staff can safely effectively implement new protocols — all public indoor events on campus will require proof of full vaccination or a negative test for COVID-19 for admission. That includes athletics, performing arts, conferences and symposiums — particularly those with more than 100 attendees.
The university made the announcement Monday, citing the "recent rise of local and national COVID-19 cases." Masks will continue to be required under current protocols established by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which sponsors the university.
The school advises any individuals experiencing possible symptoms of COVID-19 or who are otherwise ill to avoid campus events when possible.
"The safety of our students, faculty, staff and campus guests remains the top priority at BYU," said BYU President Kevin J Worthen in a statement. "These policies will enable us to continue to gather together and share a home-court advantage, live music, theater and dance experiences while fulfilling part of our university mission to reflect a loving, genuine concern for the welfare of our neighbor."
Guests under age 12 are exempt from the vaccination or negative COVID-19 test policy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines fully vaccinated as individuals at least 14 days removed from the final dose of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccination.
The policy will go into effect indefinitely beginning Jan. 20.
The university will accept as proof of vaccination a CDC-issued vaccination card that includes the full name of the vaccinated person, the type of vaccination provided and the date of the last dose administered. Electronic copies of the vaccination record, including those in the state of Utah-approved Docket mobile app, will also be accepted.
Guests may be required to show a photo ID along with proof of vaccination or the negative test. The test must be a PCR or rapid antigen test administered within 72 hours of the event time. At-home tests will not be accepted.
On-site testing may be available for some public events at the Marriott Center, the university said.
Questions about previously purchased tickets can be directed to byutickets@byu.edu.
Utah reported more than 24,000 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend. Salt Lake and Summit counties have activated new mask mandate protocols, as well, bringing new guidelines to Vivint Arena and the Huntsman Center.
After a two-game road trip to Gonzaga and San Francisco, BYU men's basketball (14-3) returns home next Thursday, Jan. 20, to host San Diego. The BYU women (12-1) host Saint Mary's on Thursday before a three-game road trip that will take the 18th-ranked Cougars away from campus through Jan. 27.
