NASCAR mandates masks in enclosed spaces

NASCAR will be requiring all personnel to wear a mask in enclosed areas at all times regardless of coronavirus vaccination status beginning with this weekend’s race at Watkins Glen International in New York.

According to a Tuesday press release, the rule will apply to areas including haulers, the media center, restrooms, the infield care center, race control and suites.

NASCAR said the decision was made on the advice of its consulting physicians as well as recent medical guidance, likely referring to last week’s recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that advised people to wear masks when indoors regardless of vaccination status.

Masks will not be required when outdoors at NASCAR events, though the company said this rule would still in place “provided individuals refrain from sustained close contact.”

“We ask that media avoid close contact with fellow reporters and competitors as much as possible during pre-race, post-race and care center media engagements,” NASCAR said.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) lifted nearly all COVID-19 restriction in June after the state reached a 70 percent vaccination rate. Though he recently issued a vaccine mandate for all state employees, it is unclear if Cuomo plans on reinstating COVID-19 restrictions in light of rising cases pushed by the highly contagious delta variant.