Blue Jays Will Reach 85% Vaccine Uptake on Monday

The Toronto Blue Jays will reach the 85% vaccine uptake threshold on Monday and can begin relaxing COVID-19 restrictions in the next couple weeks

The Toronto Blue Jays will finally be able to loosen their COVID-19 restrictions pretty soon.

Manager Charlie Montoyo said the team will hit the 85% vaccine uptake threshold by Monday allowing for some loosening of restrictions.

Two weeks after reaching the 85% mark — when players and personnel become fully vaccinated — MLB will no longer require facemasks to be worn in dugouts and bullpens and players will be permitted increased mobility on road trips.

Earlier in the day, MLB announced its new "MLB Vaccinate At The Plate" program to incentivize unvaccinated people to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Per the press release, each MLB team will host at least one event in June where unvaccinated fans will be able to receive a free ticket if they get the vaccine.

“Major League Baseball wants to play a role in expanding widespread adoption of the vaccines which have proven to be safe and effective,” said Dr. Gary Green, Medical Director of MLB. “As more people get vaccinated, the rate of infection decreases and more areas of society can safely reopen. We are proud of the efforts MLB Clubs are taking to help in this effort.” 

The Blue Jays have already been offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at a popup clinic outside Salen Field.

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