Cedar Rapids Kernels say vaccinated fans can go without masks at home games

CEDAR RAPIDS – The Cedar Rapids Kernels announced late Monday afternoon on Twitter that fans who attend games at Veterans Memorial Stadium who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 no longer need to wear face masks at the stadium.

Fans who have not been fully vaccinated are required to wear face masks. Of course, this is all on the honor system, as there is no way to determine who is or who is not vaccinated unless individuals reveal it.

For the Kernels’ first six home games, all fans were required to wear face masks at the stadium unless they were at their seats and eating or drinking. The Great Lakes Loons, also of the High-A Central League, announced Monday that no fans need to wear masks at games unless they are in a common indoor area.

Major League Baseball, which now operates the minor leagues, has relaxed some initial COVID-19 protocols, including allowing minor league teams to sell tickets closest to dugouts and bullpens. The Kernels had sectioned off the front part of the grass-seating area for their first home series two weeks ago, as well as the first row of seats next to the home bullpen, so as to keep fans socially distanced from players.

MLB has said all of its minor league protocols are on a month-to-month basis, with further changes possible for the month of June. Those could include allowing players to live with local billet families.

Right now, all players are living in hotels, two players to a room.

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