Penn State football says it's exempt from Pennsylvania's mask order, won't wear masks during game

Penn State has been exempt from Pennsylvania’s mask order due to Big Ten testing protocol, according to a statement put out by the Nittany Lions on Friday.

Penn State says it is exempt from the governor’s order on face coverings during competition because of Big Ten testing protocols. pic.twitter.com/gPI0CE2q09

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) November 20, 2020

The players this weekend against Iowa will not have to wear face coverings under their helmets. All other staff for Penn State (including all coaches) will have to wear masks on the sideline though.

This comes after Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine issued a new mandate which said that all sports players would have to wear masks while on the field.

However, there’s still a bit of confusion as Pitt says it will be required (as will Virginia Tech) to have all their players wear masks while playing at Heinz Field this weekend.

While Pitt and Virginia Tech will reportedly wear masks while playing tomorrow, Temple and East Carolina players will not be required to wear masks while playing in tomorrow's game, a Temple spokesman confirmed to https://t.co/YOochM4Elt

— Kyle Gauss (@kylegauss) November 20, 2020

On the opposite side of the state though, Temple players won’t be forced to wear masks under their helmets against East Carolina.

Kickoff for Penn State’s game against Iowa will be at 3:30 p.m. ET.