Baseball fans will have to adhere to a whole new set of health and safety guidelines when they return to stadiums sometime in July as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
The Korea Baseball Organization on Tuesday released a new manual for spectators as it prepares to welcome them back to the stands.
Fans must wear face masks, go through temperature checks and sit at least one seat from each other, even if they are part of the same group.
Stadium visitors will also have to maintain a safe distance from others in all lines -- at the entrance, bathrooms and concession stands -- and no outside food will be allowed.
Tickets will only be available for purchase online with credit cards so that health authorities can trace contact information to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The guidelines even include restrictions on cheering, a major part of the fan experience, with singalongs and other types of chanting that includes contact to be limited.
The 2020 season opened on May 5 without fans due to coronavirus risks, leaving clubs struggling financially.
On Sunday, the government announced sports stadiums would reopen on a limited basis, so long as teams adhere to stringent quarantine measures.
The KBO is hoping to have fans back by Friday and put out the manual to ensure safe environments across the league's nine stadiums.
It is still waiting for the government to give the go-ahead.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
