NBA: Miami Heat mandates COVID vaccine for all employees

National Basketball Association (NBA) side Miami Heat announced on Friday that all employees working with the club must be in the process of becoming fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 1.

The team also said that it will be making exemptions available for those awaiting a second dose of a two-shot vaccine or those with “a qualifying medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief,” the Associated Press reported.

Employees who have not met vaccination requirements by that date will not be allowed at work. The club also threatened action against the employees who remain non-compliant, saying that they eventually will be considered to have resigned.

The Heat said in a statement that the “stability and success of the live events industry hinges on prioritizing safety — of our players, our employees, our partners, our fans, our vendors and the media. One of the ways we can substantially minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission is to ensure our entire staff is vaccinated.”

The Heat have not yet revealed their plans for welcoming fans to home games in the new season.

The full schedule for the NBA’s 75th anniversary season was released Friday, highlighted in part by what will be a yearlong tribute to some of the key moments in league history. The league will be back for the new season on October 19.