As COVID-19 infection rates rise across the United States, three NFL teams are responding accordingly by reducing their already-limited fan allowances.
The Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Football Team announced Monday they will not host fans for their next home game.
The Ravens take on the Tennessee Titans this week at M&T Bank Stadium.
"In giving the matter careful consideration, and with the rise of Maryland's COVID-19 infection rate and increased hospitalizations, the Ravens believe this decision is the correct one in helping protect the well-being and safety of our community," the Ravens said in a statement released Monday.
The Eagles, meanwhile, announced they will not host fans at Lincoln Financial Field for an undetermined amount of time as a result of the City of Philadelphia's new outdoor restrictions imposed in response to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the region. The Eagles will revert to their early season plan in which they didn't host any fans for their first two home games, promising notification of any changes in the coming weeks.
The next home game for the Eagles is Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Philadelphia was able to host 7,500 total people (including players, coaches, staff and media) for games against Baltimore, Dallas and the New York Giants earlier this season. Baltimore was only able to host an approximate total of 4,300 fans for one game, a 28-24 loss to Pittsburgh, in Week 8.
The Washington Football Team later announced that it will also play without fans in Week 11. The club allowed a limited number of fans to attend its Nov. 8 home game versus the Giants.
"After careful consideration and working in close coordination with health officials in Prince George's County, we have decided that this Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals will be played without fans in attendance," the team said in a statement. "We take the responsibility of protecting our staff, players, fans, and the community seriously and feel this is the right decision at this time."
