On Wednesday afternoon D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced some new vaccine mandates effective Jan. 15, 2022 which includes sports and entertainment venues such as Capital One Arena. Monumental Sports and Entertainment, the company that owns the Washington Capitals and NBA’s Wizards issued the following statement:
"Mayor Bowser has mandated a citywide vaccine requirement for indoor entertainment facilities, which includes Capital One Arena. Monumental Sports and Entertainment will be verifying that patrons aged 12 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine beginning on January 15, 2022. All Monumental Sports and Entertainment and event staff are already fully vaccinated and are required to wear masks for all events. On 12/20, Mayor Bowser reinstated the indoor mask mandate through January 31st, 2022 and MSE will be enforcing this policy for all events at Capital One Arena. MedStar Capitals Iceplex will continue to comply and follow Arlington County and Virginia regulations.Monumental Sports and Entertainment recommends using the CLEAR Health Pass App for quick and easy verification upon arrival at Capital One Arena. If you are unable to utilize CLEAR, a picture or hard copy of your vaccination card along with photo ID will be accepted."
The Caps required masks at the beginning of the season, lifted it but then brought it back. I plead the fifth when it comes to this kind of stuff but I am fully vaccinated and will receive the booster soon. Looks like if you want to see the Caps or Wizards in person, you’ll have to as well. It’s the time we’re living in and unfortunately this pandemic is our new reality.
But in the end maybe this helps stop the spread. I’m not even talking worldwide, I’m talking about within the locker room. Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers got postponed putting the Caps in the league wide pause a day early. Players are in COVID protocol. Now is the time to rest up and get healthy so we can have a strong 2022.