The Alabama Department of Public Health is concerned with the potential impact the delta variant can have on college football games.
The transmission rate statewide is over 21 percent among residents. Tuscaloosa County alone has a transmission rate of 322 new cases per 100,000 people. This comes shortly before the Alabama Crimson Tide plays its first home game against Mercer University on Sep. 11.
ADPH Health Official Karen Landers said she is extremely concerned about the effects interstate travel and sitting in tightly packed football stadiums might have on those who are unvaccinated.
“And I think this is a time for all Alabamians to take stock of where they are in terms of their own health and the health and safety of their families to be able to safely participate in any activities that bring people together in group settings,” she said.
The department does provide CDC and local health guidance to colleges. However, it is up to schools to determine what protocols will be put in place. Louisiana State University remains the only college in the Southeastern Conference requiring fans to provide proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test.
Landers said fans and citizens alike should rally to protect the health of themselves and their families.
“We’re not only talking about your own personal health and wellbeing, but now you’re obviously going to infect the people around you and do you want to be the person that does that?" she said. "I think most Alabamians you know care about their fellow citizens and care about their friends and relatives and loved ones.”
The department additionally advises football fans to consider masking up and to stay at home if they or someone they know are at particular risk for contracting the virus. This comes as Alabama remains negative in ICU beds available per hospital, with over half of total ICU patients being coronavirus patients.