Pittsburgh Panthers, Virginia Tech Hokies to wear masks during gameplay as part of mandate

Pitt and Virginia Tech will wear face coverings both on the field and sideline Saturday, in accordance with new Pennsylvania state coronavirus safety guidelines.

In a statement issued Friday, Pitt said, "In alignment with the recent guidance from state officials regarding the current health climate, Pitt's football team will be appropriately outfitted for Saturday's game with face coverings to use on the field and sideline. This is being communicated to Virginia Tech's sports medicine staff as well."

A Virginia Tech official confirmed the school's medical team has been made aware of the appropriate guidelines.

The Pennsylvania secretary of health issued the new order earlier this week, which states, "Coaches, athletes, and spectators must wear face coverings while actively engaged in workouts and competition as well as when on the sidelines, in the dugout etc. unless they meet an exception in the Face Covering Order. Section 3 of the Order provides an exception that allows an individual to remove their mask if wearing a face covering would either cause a medical condition, or exacerbate an existing one, including respiratory issues that impede breathing, a mental health condition or a disability."

"The Order indicates all alternatives to wearing a face covering, including the use of a face shield, should be exhausted before an individual is excepted from this Order."

The Panthers and Hokies would be the first two college teams to wear face coverings in game.

Last week, Pitt's game against Georgia Tech was postponed after both schools experienced coronavirus issues. It's unclear how the new mask policy will be enforced in the game.