Blue Jays expedite dialogue with the Canadian government to return to Toronto

Toronto. Talks between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Canadian government have greatly accelerated, and there will likely be a waiver of border crossing restrictions allowing the major league team to play in Canada from July 30, he told The Associated Press. With the situation on Friday.

The Blue Jays have asked the federal government to allow them to play at home at Rogers Center starting July 30 and expected to receive a response Friday.

A Canadian government official confirmed that talks had progressed last day. The official spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak about the matter publicly.

The Blue Jays played at home in Buffalo, New York, during the abbreviated 2020 season, starting this season in Dunedin, Florida, before moving to Buffalo.

The Canadian government has not allowed the team to play in Toronto due to the risk of spreading COVID-19, arguing that the Blue Jays will have to make frequent trips to the United States during a regular season.

The borders of the United States and Canada remain closed to non-essential travel, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this week that such restrictions could be lifted in mid-August.

Major League Baseball requires an exemption for players and employees who have not yet been vaccinated to participate in a game in Canada.

As of this month, players who have been fully vaccinated and have valid work permits are no longer required to serve a 14-day quarantine upon entering Canadian soil, but some teams have players who have not yet been registered.

The Blue Jays last played at the 49,000-capacity Rogers Center on September 29, 2019, with a 8-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.