The NFL is implementing a set of new COVID-19 protocols to heed after a team suffers an outbreak. The news comes out following the recent positive coronavirus tests amongst the Tennessee Titans.
The Associated Press acquired the memo that the NFL released to all 32 teams. It delineates the new procedures organizations must follow when handling an outbreak, or upon experiencing exposure from another club.
The Contents of the Memo
Jeff Miller, the league’s executive vice-president of communications, public affairs and policy, and Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, lament in the memo that daily testing does not preclude individuals from contracting the virus. Moreover, any endeavors done after testing will increase the chances of being infected.
The memo highlights that it is pertinent for NFL personnel to wear masks and abide by physical distancing regulations. It will behoove the league to treat everyone they come in contact with as if they have COVID-19.
“To that end, it is essential to wear a face covering, maintain physical distancing at all times and practice healthy hand hygiene,” per the the memo. “There is one simple rule to remember: act as if every person you come in contact with has a COVID infection and take appropriate precautions.”
Concerning gloves and masks being worn at practice, only quarterbacks are permitted to remove their gloves. All team meetings will be held virtually, and testing is exercised more frequently. Players and personnel can expect COVID-19 tests twice a day, as well as on game days.
The league is implementing a strict limit on the number of people they allow in the weight room at a given time. Also, the memo prohibits team personnel from having gatherings off of team property; avid contact tracing is in effect.
The league is granting Dr. Sills the final say as to whether teams must heed these new protocols or not. All his decisions are in line with the medical officials.
