The US Open is requiring fans to have at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose to enter, but masks are not required

• The US Open will now require fans to have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
• The tournament begins on Monday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
• Masks are still not required and the stadiums are being booked at full capacity.

The United States Tennis Association is now requiring fans older than 12 who are attending the US Open to show proof of getting at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

"Today, the USTA was informed that the New York City mayor's office will be mandating proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entrance to Arthur Ashe Stadium," a statement released Friday said. "Given the continuing evolution of the Delta variant and in keeping with our intention to put the health and safety of our fans first, the USTA will extend the mayor's requirement to all US Open ticket holders 12 years old and older."

Masks are still not required and the event, set to start on Monday at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, is at full capacity.

The CITY reported that local officials including Mayor Bill de Blasio were concerned about the tournament's relaxed guidelines, especially as the highly transmissible Delta variant has caused cases to surge. The variant now accounts for 97% of cases sampled in the city, NBC New York reported.

"Queens has been of the epicenter of the epicenter, as Corona is one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods. Spectators should feel safe when they watch tennis matches, not in fear of COVID-19. Organizers of the US Open should immediately revise the policy," Borough President Donovan Richards told The CITY.