Utah Jazz lifts vaccine rules as lawmakers push to ban them

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will no longer be required for fans wanting to see the Utah Jazz play at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. Vivint Arena and the Jazz said in a statement on Tuesday that they planned to lift the rule on Feb. 25 but still allow organizers of other events held at the arena to set their own rules. The announcement comes as cases, hospitalizations and deaths fall in Utah after an omicron variant-fueled surge. It also comes as lawmakers move forward on a proposal to block private businesses from requiring proof of vaccination for customers and employees.