Report: MLB reducing COVID-19 measures for teams with 85% vaccination rate

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association will reduce health and safety measures for clubs if 85% of their players and staff that have direct contact with players get vaccinated against COVID-19, according to a league memo obtained by The Athletic's Lindsey Adler.

Members of teams that reach the 85% vaccination rate among tier 1 employees will no longer have to wear masks in the dugout or bullpen and will not have to use tracking devices, according to the memo.

Players on these teams will be allowed to play video games and partake in other forms of group entertainment in the clubhouse, and they will also be permitted to use sauna and steam rooms.

Vaccinated tier 1 individuals will also be allowed to work out mask-free inside ballpark facilities, will be tested less frequently, can gather indoors and on team planes and bus trips, and will be exempt from mandatory quarantine if they are in contact with a person who tests positive for COVID-19, provided they do not show symptoms.

Tier 1 employees will also be allowed to dine indoors and have family members stay with them on road trips once their team reaches the 85% vaccination threshold.

The league and the players' union do not require players and staff to be vaccinated, but both have strongly encouraged it.

"Vaccination for COVID-19 is a critical component of promoting and protecting the health and safety of all players, staff, and their families. All players and staff are strongly encouraged to receive one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines when eligible," the memo read.

The Houston Astros are traveling to Texas on Monday to receive vaccinations ahead of Opening Day.