When the Washington Nationals run onto the field at Nats Park on Opening Day, their fans might not be there to cheer for them.

On Tuesday the D.C. government formally approved the Nationals’ application to play home games during the 2021 season, as long as the stands are empty. The decision to bar fans could be reassessed as soon as the middle of this month, according to a letter from Chris Rodriguez, the director of D.C.’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA). News of the letter was first shared by NBC4.

“We are assessing the prevalence of new, more transmissible viral strains on the progress we are making through our various public health measures, including our vaccination program,” Rodriguez wrote to Nationals senior vice president Gregory McCarthy. “With you, we are looking forward to fans returning to Nats Park. Answers as to how many and when are still premature.”

Rodriguez also requested the Nationals inform city officials of any positive COVID-19 cases among players, employees or volunteers.

Neither HSEMA nor the Nationals responded to an immediate request for comment.

If D.C.’s current decision stands, it will likely come as a major disappointment both to fans and the Nationals back office. The Nats went without ticket revenue for the entirety of the 2020 season. Last month the team submitted a proposal to the city to seat fans at the ballpark in socially distanced pods.

Other Major League Baseball teams have already received the go-ahead from their city governments to open with limited capacity. The New York Mets — one of the Nats’ division rivals — and the Yankees can fill their stadiums to 10% capacity, as long as attendees get a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the game. Teams in Texas got the go-ahead from the governor to welcome back fans at 50% capacity.

Other teams are still waiting for rulings from their municipalities, like the Baltimore Orioles up the road.

Spring training is another matter. All 30 major league teams are allowing fans into spring training facilities in Arizona and Florida, with limited capacity. Yesterday the Nationals filled their West Palm Beach, Florida ballpark to 18% capacity, the Washington Post reported. The Nationals test players, coaches and team staff every other day in compliance with Major League Baseball’s current safety guidelines.

This story was updated to clarify that the city could reassess their decision to allow fans into Nationals Park prior to Opening Day.