MINISTERS CONFIRM RULES FOR RETURNING FANS

The government has offcially confirmed health protocols that will enable the return of fans to football stadiums, laying out guidelines for both clubs and supporters.

After more than a year and a half without fans in the stands, Health Minister Carla Vizzotti said that clubs would be able to reopen their doors at 50 percent capacity.

“Those over 18 who have received at least one dose of any vaccine will have to obtain a certificate to enter the stadiums. Minors are exempt from this requirement,” said the minister at a press conference, flanked by Cabinet Chief Juan Manzur, Tourism & Sports Minister Matías Lammens and Security Minister Aníbal Fernández.

Fans can get themselves a certificate via the government’s Covid-19 Cuidar app and will have to generate a permit to circulate, providing an affidavit regarding their health on game day.

Authorities inside the stadium will ensure that facemasks are used while fans are inside the stadium. Food and drink will not be available, with punters only able to purchase water. According to the new rules, people may sit in groups of up to five people and must respect distancing rules. Fans can enter with disposable hand towels but may not bring alcohol-based cleaning solutions with them into the ground.

Failure to comply with prevention measures and control and security checks will lead to fans being expelled from stadiums.

Responding to questions regarding limits on capacity, Manzur admitted that many clubs had pushed for larger attendances.

“Some people wanted the capacity to be bigger, but we can’t afford more. The pandemic is not over. We must continue to insist on compliance with the protocols,” said the new Cabinet chief.

Fans have not been able to attend football matches since March 2020, though the government used Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Bolivia last month as a “pilot test” to trial its protocols.