The NFL and the NFL Players Association agreed on COVID-19 testing procedures for training camp and preseason, as the league sent out a memorandum on the matter to the 32 clubs on Monday.
A note that just came out outlining the COVID-19 tests pic.twitter.com/RnJHRXQOKA
– Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2020
The first COVID-19 tests will be before the entrance, which means that each player must have two negative tests with a minimum of 72 hours between each one before being able to enter the facilities of their respective teams. Last weekend, the league sent out a notice to each team that training camp will continue as scheduled, and all veterans are expected to report before July 28.
Once training camp begins, players will be evaluated every day, something the NFLPA pressed during the negotiations. Daily tests will be carried out during the first two weeks of camping at least.
After two weeks, the tests will switch to an average day format if the positivity rate is less than 5%. If the positivity rate is 5% or more after two weeks, the league will continue to perform daily tests. Also, if the positivity rate reaches a point of 5% or more, the NFL will return to the daily tests.
“This is a work in progress,” Dr. Allen Sills, NFL medical director, told ESPN. “There is no goal line with health and safety, and I think these protocols are living, breathable documents, which means they will change as we get new information. They will certainly change over time, which is what we generally do. we see in medicine. “
Following the agreement, the NFLPA issued the following statement:
Our union has been pushing for stronger testing, tracing and treatment protocols to keep our players safe. The testing protocols we agree on are a critical factor that will help us return to work safely and provide us with the best opportunity to play and finish the season.
Our statement on Covid-19 testing procedures: pic.twitter.com/6mYF3aK0jm
– NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 20, 2020
The NFL and NFLPA deal comes just a day after several of the league’s stars, including Patrick Mahomes, JJ Watt, Russell Wilson, and Myles Garrett, voiced their concerns on Twitter about the security concerns of starting camp. no established protocols. .
Despite reaching a conclusion regarding the COVID-19 tests, the two sides have yet to agree on a host of other underlying issues about playing this season amid the pandemic. Those issues include the number of preseason games to be played, issues related to players who wish to opt out (or are medically advised), and how the acclimatization period will work upon arrival at camp.
Seek to get those issues resolved in the coming days, as neither side wants to start the camp without an agreement.
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