COVID-19 continues to surge throughout California, with many counties releasing new restrictions to combat the virus's further spread. Santa Clara County is among those expected to announce new guidelines, according to the Mercury News.
That would disrupt the remainder of the season for the San Francisco 49ers, whose home field, Levi's Stadium, and practice facilities are located in Santa Clara.
"Santa Clara County is expected to release new COVID-19 restrictions in light of its rising caseload Saturday," reports Fiona Kelliher, "including a temporary ban on all high school, collegiate and professional sports, a mandatory quarantine for those traveling into the region from more than 150 miles away and new capacity limits for indoor businesses, according to county sources."
#49ers final three home games, practices may have to be uprooted because of county's new COVID-19 health advisory https://t.co/TbAtnbMkrE
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) November 28, 2020
The 49ers issued the following statement regarding the new directives.
"We are aware of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department's emergency directive. We are working with the NFL and our partners on operational plans and will share details as they are confirmed."
San Francisco has six games remaining on its schedule, including three home games. The 49ers are slated to host the Buffalo Bills on December 7, the Washington Football Team on December 13, and the Seattle Seahawks on January 3 at Levi's Stadium. And the team practices at a complex neighboring the stadium.
"Santa Clara County's new restrictions will include a 14-day quarantine for all those traveling to and from the county from more than 150 miles away," Kelliher added, "according to documents obtained by this news organization, as well as a temporary ban on sporting activities — including professional sports like the San Jose Sharks ice hockey team."
The new restrictions would go into effect for three weeks, forcing the 49ers to move two of their final home games away from Levi's Stadium, where the team has not been allowed to host fans this season.
The 49ers are traveling to Los Angeles to play the Rams on Sunday. The team will be able to return from that game without quarantining because the new restrictions will not go into effect until Monday. Although, Santa Clara County's new directives would prevent the 49ers from practicing at their facility or anywhere else in the area upon their return.
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