The NFL and the NFL Players’ Association have agreed to suspend all aspects of their joint COVID-19 protocols with immediate effect.
After nearly two years of restrictions, operations will return to normal, the league said in a note on Thursday, received by Tom Pelisero of the NFL Network.
This is a long-awaited announcement, as there will be no more requirements for masks, tracking devices, surveillance tests or capacity limitations, unless required by state or local laws.
“Based on current encouraging trends in the prevalence and severity of COVID-19, evolving CDC guidelines, changes in government legislation and the advice of our respective experts, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to suspend all aspects of the joint COVID-19. 19 protocols, “the league note said in part. “We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of players, coaches and staff, as we did during the pandemic.
However, the note emphasizes that teams must remain “in accordance with state and local law and are free to pursue reasonable measures to protect their staff and players”.
Notable protocols that will be removed:
- There will no longer be mandatory tests to monitor players or staff, regardless of vaccination status. However, the teams will be “expected to identify a place at the clubhouse to hold at least 10 Mesa docks” for anyone who reports symptoms.
- Players and staff are no longer required to wear Kinexon (tracking) devices.
- Regardless of the vaccination status, players and employees are not required to wear masks or face covers. This is subject to state and local requirements and clubs may require masks “if they choose to do so”.
Going forward, according to the note: “All persons should continue to be monitored daily for symptoms before entering the club facility.”
If a person develops symptoms of COVID-19, they are directed to report to the club’s medical staff and will need a negative test to return to the club facility. Players – or staff – with a positive test must be isolated for five days after a positive test.
Thursday’s note led to a long-awaited development after the 2020 and 2021 seasons, played under the COVID-19 protocols, which significantly changed daily operations, led to postponements of matches and countless missed games for players and coaches. However, as Pelisero notes, all 554 games have been played in the previous two seasons and both Super Bowls have been played on schedule.
As the NFL world now descends on the NFL 2022 Scout Factory to look to the players of the future, Thursday’s announcement is a sign that things are returning to what they were before the 2020 season and the COVID-19 pandemic.