Miami Heat Will Be Using Coronavirus-Sniffing Dogs To Allow Fans Back

With the pandemic still raging across America, and  the vaccination rollout going extremely slow, it’s time to think outside of the box when it comes to getting fans back into arenas. The Miami Heat have a novel plan how to get asses back in the seats, and they’re using Man’s best friend. That’s right, it’s time to bring out the dogs.

Here’s the blueprint via Washington Post:

The dogs have been trained to detect the active presence of the virus, and will not react to people who have been given the coronavirus vaccine, the team said Thursday. Everyone entering the arena will need to pass checks by the Heat’s canine teams, and if anyone in a given group is flagged by a dog, the entire party will be denied entry.

  • All guests and employees must be screened by the canine team prior to entering.
  • If anyone in a party is signaled by a canine, all members of the party will not be permitted to enter. A staff member then will notify the next steps regarding ticketing. All members of a seating party must be screened together.
  • The dogs have been specifically trained to identify the active virus, and will not signal if someone entering has received the vaccine.
  • Parents are allowed to hold children during the canine screening process.
  • An opt-out of the canine screening is available. The alternative testing method comes at no cost but can take up to 45 minutes. Entry will not be allowed in such cases until cleared by the testing provider.
  • For those seated within 30 feet of the court, everyone above the age of five will be required to undergo an on-site rapid test. Parents/guardians will register on the behalf of minors.
  • If a guest becomes sick or doesn’t feel well during the game, isolation rooms will be available throughout the arena.

Watch below:

So if you’re afraid of dogs, don’t head to the Heat games.

Drastic times calls for drastic measures.


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