As scientists warn of reopening risks, Nets/Barclays requiring on-site testing, part of additional $200 cost; arena creating "mini suites"

OK, now we're learning a bit more about the challenges and complications involved reopening arenas to even limited numbers of fans--10% of capacity, as set by the state.

In With Arenas Reopening, Health Experts Are Concerned About Further Infections, NY1 today quoted
Denis Nash, a professor of epidemiology at CUNY, warning against reopenings, noting that the state-cited success with Buffalo Bills football games may not translate to indoor venues.

The article cited a study from Germany that "concluded that concerts in large, high-ceilinged venues posed little infection risk, so long as strict hygiene and testing rules were followed," but also cited other studies that said people gathering on public transportation and at bars and restaurants could pose risks.

(Are people going to take the subway to Barclays Center or, as I suspect, take vehicles?)

Nash said that arena workers face the highest risk--though I'd add that mobile/remote ordering should lower that somewhat.

Another interviewee cited a study that said those higher up in the venue faced risks from aerosols floating up--which suggests that limited seating in the lower bowl limits those risks.

New entrance test requirement

The state's required 72-hour testing is bolstered by a Barclays Center requirement--of attendees and staff--of testing at the door with six-minute results, as reported by NBC in New York's Plans to Reopen Arenas Won't Come Cheap For Fans Looking to Attend Games, citing an additional $200/ticket cost just for that testing.

So that lowers the risks--but testing isn't foolproof, and eating, talking and shouting all add to the risks.

That said, Nets/arena CEO John Abbamondi told NBC: "Some of our seating areas we built into mini suites. In the seating bowl, there are some bar stools and a couch and plexiglass walls on either side to create a little bubble."