The NFL is working Sunday morning to evaluate a series of positive COVID-19 results that are all going to the same lab in New Jersey, and are concerned about the effectiveness of the test program they have set up to minimize the spread of the disease. .
“Saturday’s daily COVID tests returned several positive tests from each of the clubs served by the same lab in New Jersey,” the NFL said in a statement. “We are working with our test partner, BioReference, to investigate these results, while the clubs are working to confirm or rule out the positive tests.”
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane told reporters that at least 10 teams were affected.
The Chicago Bears announced that they received nine positive results from their test regimen on Saturday. All nine were rated as false positive results, meaning that there were no real indications of infection. The Bears moved their morning practice back to Sunday afternoon “out of an abundance of caution,” while going through their sorts.
The Cleveland Browns canceled their practice on Sunday altogether, saying they received results that indicated multiple “presumptive positive” tests from players, coaches and support staff. The Browns said those who had positive tests remain asymptomatic, but the team said Sunday’s meetings will be conducted practically while the facility undergoes a thorough deep cleaning and disinfection process.
The Bills also shot back the start of their practice by one hour, with Beane confirming that some players will miss Sunday’s practice.
In its statement, the NFL said the affected clubs “take immediate precautionary measures, as set forth in the NFL-NFLPA’s health and safety protocols to address contact tracing, isolation of individuals, and to temporarily adjust the schedule, where appropriate.” “
The league said other BioReference labs used for NFL testing did not have similar results to those of the New Jersey lab.
NFL tests are only conducted by BioReference, but the tests are served by labs around the country to guarantee results in 24 hours or less. The league has prevented team outbursts during training camp.
As of Sunday, only four of the nearly 3,000 players who have spent time in training camp are currently on the COVID-19 list.
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