Pro sports teams will be exempt from Boston’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for indoor venues that is set to kick in on Jan. 15.
On Monday, Mayor Michelle Wu unveiled a detailed plan that will require patrons 12 and over to show proof of vaccination before entering the premises of many indoor businesses, including entertainment venues.
But there is an exemption for “a professional athlete/sports team who enters a covered premises as part of their regular employment for purposes of competing.” This will apply to Celtics and Bruins players, as well as visiting teams that come to TD Garden.
New York’s vaccine mandate, which was instituted this fall, requires all residents to be vaccinated before entering arenas. This order has kept All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, who is unvaccinated, from playing a game for the Nets this season.
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Boston’s mandate will affect TD Garden patrons, however. Currently, fans 12 and older can gain entry if they are vaccinated, or if they show a qualifying negative test. Starting Jan. 15, the option to show a negative test will be removed.
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him @adamhimmelsbach.