KBO working to bring some fans back as early as July 3
The Korea Baseball Organization is starting preparations to welcome back fans on a limited basis, according to Yoo Jee-ho of Yonhap News.
"We haven't yet established specific guidelines, and we have to monitor the situation with the virus, but we expect to have fans back in the stands by Friday (July 3) at the earliest," KBO secretary general Ryu Dae-hwan told Yoo. "We'll make the health and safety of our fans the No. 1 priority."
If fans are allowed into the stadiums, it would likely only be at 30% capacity. (The league's largest stadium normally seats just under 25,000 people.) Spectators would be spread out to maintain social distancing, according to Yoo. Those in attendance would be subject to strict protocols to help avoid spreading COVID-19.
Safety precautions likely to be taken include banning cheering to prevent the spread of droplets and keeping most concession stands closed to ensure fans stay in their seats, Yoo adds. Additionally, tickets will only be available for purchase with a credit card so that health authorities can trace positive tests if necessary.
The 2020 KBO season began in May after Opening Day was delayed due to the pandemic. All 10 teams have been playing in empty stadiums since then.
In addition to baseball, South Korea's soccer and golf circuits are also preparing to reopen to a small portion of fans, Yoo notes.
South Korea has been generally successful in containing the virus but has experienced a slight spike in COVID-19 cases over the past week. The country reported 62 new cases Sunday, according to the Korea Herald.