Milwaukee Deer District Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK

Roughly 500 COVID-19 cases suspected to be linked to Bucks' championship run

Relaxed health and safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed basketball fans and others to gather at Milwaukee Bucks playoff games and outside in the club's "Deer District" during its postseason championship run. 

According to The Associated Press (h/t ESPN), 491 people deemed confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases could be linked with Milwaukee playoff games. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services does note, however, that it can't be determined how many individuals caught the virus either at the arena or at viewing gatherings.

"We have four times as many people hospitalized with COVID in Wisconsin as we did one month ago, from 74 individuals to 310 today," Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management director of medical services Dr. Ben Weston explained. 

As of the first week of August, all 32 NFL teams are operating as if they'll fill stadiums to their capacities throughout the upcoming season. That could change on a club-by-club basis, however, based on local guidelines and recommendations amid rising COVID-19 cases caused by virus variants. 

In short, those planning to enjoy football seasons as normal may want to keep expectations realistic over the next month. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Yet another starting pitcher goes down with elbow discomfort
A look at how the first round of the NFL Draft went for the NFC North
Will Patriots start Drake Maye over Jacoby Brissett?
Former Giants OL Korey Cunningham dies at 28
After draft disappointment, Knicks' Josh Hart has found his NBA home
Magic end 13-year drought as Paolo Banchero makes history
Joel Embiid makes incredible NBA playoffs history
Falcons make awful draft decision with No. 8 overall pick
Joel Embiid's career high keeps 76ers alive in series vs. Knicks
Bears select Caleb Williams with No. 1 pick in 2024 NFL Draft
Shohei Ohtani says what he's 'grateful' for following interpreter gambling scandal
Eagles lock in another star wide receiver with record contract extension
Panthers win again to push Lightning to playoff brink
Patrick Mahomes commends Chiefs drafting speedy offensive playmaker
Bam Adebayo urges Heat to embrace 'cage fight' vs. Celtics
Rory McIlroy perfectly sums up the state of professional golf with two words
Nuggets crush Lakers after halftime again to take 3-0 series lead
Ravens think they found a 'shutdown' CB late in first round of 2024 NFL Draft
Winners and losers from Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft
Chiefs trade up to No. 28, draft WR with record-setting speed