New guidelines open stadiums to some fans; Santa Clara Co. says no
Less than two hours after the state of California opened the door to Levi’s Stadium for 49ers fans Tuesday, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department slammed it shut.
Santa Clara County, one of the country’s most restrictive when it comes to public activities during the pandemic, went against state guidelines for professional sports and amusement parks.
Under new coronavirus guidance announced Tuesday by the State Department of Public Health, pro sports teams and amusement parks such as Disneyland were approved to begin selling a limited number of tickets.
As far as the state is concerned, teams in the counties of Santa Clara, Alameda and San Francisco can hold outdoor events with spectators at reduced capacity. The 49ers, for instance, wouldbe allowed to let about 14,000 people into their 68,500-seat stadium. State officials loosened restrictions for counties that fell into the “orange” or “yellow” tiers in the four-tier system for reopening.
But within 90 minutes of the state’s announcement Tuesday, Santa Clara County put an end to any plans the 49ersmight have had for their next home game, issuing a statement that said “audiences at professional sporting events will not be allowed anytime soon.”
Later, at a news conference, county executive Dr. Jeff Smith said it would be “dangerous” to open stadiums.
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