Under the league’s mandatory guidelines, clubs will hold virtual meetings, unless they’re outdoors, and reduce close contact between players and staff.
As Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the National Football League, its commissioner has decided to intensify safety protocols. In a memo obtained by CNBC, NFL boss Roger Goodell said all 32 teams will switch to the league’s “intensive protocol” starting Saturday. Under the guidelines, the NFL will reduce close contact between players and staff and mandate masks be worn at all times throughout practice sites. “We reviewed data at last week’s League meeting that demonstrated the substantial reductions in close contacts achieved by clubs operating under the Intensive Protocols,” Goodell said in the memo. He noted that under the NFL’s stricter protocols “have reduced close contacts by more than 50 percent. The protocols have been used by 28 teams at least once and by 16 teams multiple times. “These sustained reductions and the resulting health and safety benefits make it appropriate to implement the Intensive Protocols on a mandatory, league-wide basis,” Goodell said. On Tuesday, the NFL released its latest Covid-19 testing report, identifying 17 new cases. During the NFL’s testing period, the league said 95 players and 175 team staff have tested positive for Covid-19. Speaking to reporters after a league meeting last week, Goodell reiterated the NFL’s plan to finish its season and hold Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay on Feb.7. The NFL plans to have the game with 20% capacity. The tightened protocols include: Here is Goodell’s memo: Tomorrow night, the Cardinals and Seahawks will play the first game of Week 11 of the regular season.
