Falcons update mask policy, will offer COVID-19 vaccines during 1st preseason game

Ahead of the Falcons’ first preseason game, Mercedes-Benz Stadium announced changes to its mask policy for games until further notice.

Masks will be required in closed spaces, including clubs and the retail store at the stadium. All employees who work in those spaces will be required to wear a mask.

While the roof will be open for Friday’s game, masks are strongly encouraged for fans and employees in all open-air areas of the stadium, including the inner bowl and concourses.

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Mercedes-Benz Stadium said this updated mask policy will be in effect at all games and events moving forward, including Atlanta United games. Atlanta United plays their next home game on Sunday.

“We will continue to evaluate and monitor the situation and make updates as needed,” a stadium spokesperson said.

The Falcons said they highly encourage people to get the COVID-19 vaccine and will offer them Friday. Vaccines will be available on the 100 level beginning at 5:30 p.m. and will run throughout the game.

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Mercedes Benz-Stadium said it will not go back to a limited seating capacity at this time unless the NFL or MLS requires it.

“We continue to take all precautions set forth, cleaning protocols and safety measures, as we have since the start of the pandemic,” according to the spokesperson.

The gates for Friday’s night game against the Titans will open at 5:30 p.m. Tailgating will be allowed and parking lots open at 3 p.m.

It will be the debut for new Falcons coach Arthur Smith, who was previously the Titans’ offensive coordinator.

It will also be the first game that fans won’t see wide receiver Julio Jones in a Falcons uniform. The team traded him to the Titans in the offseason.

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As COVID-19 cases rise in Georgia, more people dealing with long-term symptoms As the number of COVID-19 cases in Georgia continue to rise, so does the potential for more people to deal with “long COVID.”

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