covid daily update: new blue jay merrifield won't be 'forced' to be vaccinated
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whit merrifield was one of 10 royals who couldn't accompany the team for a four-game series in toronto last month because he was not vaccinated against covid-19. the canadian press/ap, ed zurga
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here we go again
germany is getting ready for an expected rise in covid cases this fall, announcing that masks will be required on planes, and long-distance travel by train and bus from october to early april, according to the associated press. visitors to hospitals and nursing homes will have to wear a mask and show proof of negative covid status.
while the country aims to be “better prepared” for a next wave, marco buschmann, germany’s justice minister, said that there will be an extra effort to keep schools open.
“children have a right to school education and a school day that is as carefree as possible. school closures must therefore not be allowed,” he said, adding that masks will only be required if it facilitates in-person learning.
take me out to the … covid vaccine centre?
we’re guessing that kansas city royal — now a blue jay — whit merrifield, might have some thinking to do about the covid-19 vaccine since being traded to the toronto team on tuesday.
merrifield was one of 10 royals to miss a recent trip to toronto because he hadn’t gotten the vaccine — canada requires non-citizens to be vaccinated in order to cross our border. now that he’s a jay, there’s a lot of speculation around whether or not the second baseman will finally get the jab — otherwise he will unable to play at home with his team. in fact, usa today sports suggested that merrifield “could be the first country-based platoon player in baseball” — the term ‘platoon’ referring to when two players play one position.
of course, fans couldn’t resist a little mocking on twitter:
but alas, all the fun was in vain, since it turns out that merrifield won’t be forced to get vaccinated, after all, according to jays manager john schneider.
“obviously we know he wasn’t there in toronto, but totally up to him,” schneider told sportsnet. “and i’m sure that he’s had conversations with his family and other people. so, you know, we’re leaving that decision up to him.”
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even if merrifield decided to meet canada’s vaccination requirements, reports sportsnet, he must have received at least two doses of a covid-19 vaccine at least 14 days before entering canada. so say he had his second dose today, aug. 3, he would only be able to play after aug. 17, in the home game against the baltimore orioles.
lisa machado is the executive producer of healthing.
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