In one of the most stunning bits of news around the nation as it concerns COVID-19, the mayor of Philadelphia is expected to announce a ban on large gatherings of more than 1,000 people that will extend an incredible six months.
This news comes by way of the Philadelphia Inquirer, which cited “an email from the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District.”
From the report: “To enforce the ban, the city will use ‘their legal health code authority,’ according to the email from an official with the business district.”
This timeline means the ban would extend into September, which is of course when the NFL season starts and the Philadelphia Eagles will begin to play games. Lincoln Financial Field lies within the city of Philadelphia. This means that, if the ban stands, preseason games and potentially regular-season games could be affected.
Other states around the nation have implemented similar bans, without such a significant timeline. Before the NBA season was suspended, the Golden State Warriors were set to play in an empty stadium. Similarly, before the MLB season was suspended, in Seattle the Mariners were considering playing their games in Arizona.
At this point, it’s a wait-and-see game for everyone as COVID-19 continues to spread and news is changing at such a rapid pace.