Training camp is just weeks away, and NFL teams finally have COVID-19 protocols in place as players are preparing to arrive to their team's complex -- where they will be stationed for six weeks until the regular season begins. The good news for the players is that they won't be in a bubble even though there are aggressive guidelines to follow.
Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, players have an extensive breakdown for handling situations where they are exposed to someone who tested positive for coronavirus.
Here's a quick breakdown based on what the NFL provided to the teams:
A. Close Contact Exposure to Symptomatic or COVID-19 Positive Individual
1. PCR virus test as soon as possible (and isolation until results available)
a. If virus test is negative and close contact remains asymptomatic
1a. Close contact may return to the facility and subject to the following
- Increased system monitoring and daily PCR virus testing for days 1 to 8
- And a regular testing schedule thereafter.
b. If virus test is positive and individual has no symptoms
1a. No return unless and until
- 10 days have passed since initial positive test
- OR five days have passed since initial positive test AND two consecutive negative PCR tests separated by 24 hours
- And return has to be approved by the club physician after consultation with the ICS and NFL Chief Medical Officer.
c. If virus test is positive and individual is symptomatic
1a. No return unless and until
- At least 10 days since first COVID symptoms appeared
- At least 72 hours have passed since symptoms last occurred
- Return approved by club physician after consultation with the ICS and NFL Chief Medical Officer
- And local regulations and requirements are satisfied
B. Low or Medium Risk Exposure to Symptomatic or COVID-19 Positive Individual
- Monitor for symptoms and testing as normal testing cadence as defined in the screening and testing protocol
These guidelines are strict and likely confusing for players and team members, but it's a procedure they will have to grow accustomed to in 2020. The teams already have a memo on how workouts and meetings are to be conducted, another adjustment the franchises will have to make later this month.
All of this is shaping up for an interesting summer in the NFL.