What you need to know to attend Houston, Bibb football games during COVID-19 pandemic

The Bibb and Houston school districts recently released their safety protocols for fall sports.

Earlier this month, Bibb County school leaders postponed the start of in-person classes for eight weeks, opting for virtual classes instead. That meant fall sports were postponed indefinitely. Yesterday, the district announced sports would begin on a staggered schedule, with softball and cross country beginning Aug. 31 and football starting Sept. 14.

In addition, the following safety measures have been put in place for Macon schools:

• Visiting bands will not be allowed at athletic events
• Stadium capacity will be limited to about 20%
• Seats will be sectioned off to ensure social distancing
• Tickets must be purchased in advance using the GoFan app
• There will be no free admission to home athletics for district employees this school year due to limited seating
• GHSA passes will still be honored
• Players and coaches will have their temperature taken prior to the games each week or before boarding the bus for away games. If the temperature is still over 100.4, the athlete will be isolated with a mask on until picked up from the school
• Face masks must be worn when traveling to and from athletic venues
• On the bus, only one person per seat that is allowed, with a mask on. Windows must be down when possible
• Cloth face coverings that tie around the head or loop around the ear are recommended if used with a helmet and masks must not be shared
• All game day personnel will be required to wear face coverings
• All fans will be required to wear a face covering. Masks can be removed while seated and socially distanced
• Each sideline will have hand sanitizer
• All benches and tables will be sanitized before and after games
• The sidelines will be limited to athletes, coaches, medical staff and game day staff
• Fans will be restricted from competition areas and from visiting players and personnel at all times
• Concession stand workers will wear masks and gloves and will undergo a screening before working
• Only water, soft drinks and pre-packaged items will be allowed for sell and must be sold outside of fixed stands
• All gate workers will wear masks and gloves and a clear bag policy will be in place

Houston County

In Houston County, the following protocols will be put in place:

• Signs will be placed throughout the stadiums as reminders to fans to wash their hands, practice social distancing and wear a mask
• Fans will be asked to wear a mask when they are not able to social distance from people who are outside of their home
• Attendance will be limited to 25% capacity