Based on the rapidly increasing spread of COVID-19 cases led by the growing prevalence of the Omicron Variant, MLQ will be requiring all players to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination status before participating in the 2022 season. This will include in-person tryouts.*
Being up to date on one’s vaccine status will be defined as:
- Having received their first dose of the Johnson and Johnson Janssen vaccine in the past two months OR
- Having received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in the past five months OR
- Having received their booster dose of any vaccine if outside the timelines listed in 1. or 2.
While no vaccine in any dosage provides full protection against contracting COVID-19, the booster dose has shown significant increased protection from contracting the Omicron Variant and from severe outcomes in breakthrough cases. This gives us confidence in the prudence of all athletes receiving a booster dose of the vaccine before attending MLQ events in 2022.
This policy will apply to all teams in MLQ, regardless of any laws by states or provinces in which teams reside, unless any laws in New York (MLQ’s headquarter location) should change.
Additional COVID-19 and player safety policies will be discussed and published in March of this year. However, the COVID-19 Task Force and MLQ Directors felt it was necessary to make this announcement as soon as possible so that our player base can take appropriate measures to prepare themselves for the upcoming season. If you are unsure where to get the booster shot, you can see what is available in your area on Vaccine.gov and the Government of Canada website.
Questions related to MLQ COVID-19 guidelines can be directed to our COVID Task Force at [email protected].
* Virtual tryouts will remain an option for the upcoming season.