NFL, NFLPA announce new COVID-19 protocols requiring less testing for vaccinated employees

The NFL and NFL Players Association on Saturday announced revised COVID-19 protocols that will reduce the frequency of testing asymptomatic, vaccinated players and staff. New protocols will be applied after the end of the current week’s games.

“The NFL and NFLPA have engaged with our medical advisors to address the emergence of the new variant of Omicron and how to prevent its spread to ensure we keep everyone safe and complete the rest of the work.” responsible return of the season,” the NFL and NFLPA said in a joint statement.

“The intensive protocols implemented last week and the rescheduling of the three games are designed to prevent the transmission of the virus and play this week’s games safely. After the games This weekend, we agreed to include a new set of protocols, including a more targeted, more flexible test plan for players to join virtual meetings and also opt out of players. play high-risk for the rest of the season.”

Under the original 2021 COVID-19 protocols, vaccinated players and staff must be tested weekly. The new program removes that requirement and instead switches to a system whereby vaccinated players and staff will be tested more rigorously for COVID-19 symptoms and tested less frequently. than. Any vaccinated individuals showing symptoms will be immediately isolated and tested, while those without symptoms will be subject to what the league and the players’ union are describing as “trials”. targeted”, where a specific group of individuals (such as a location group) will be tested one week, another week, etc.

Additionally, players can undergo voluntary COVID-19 testing as often as they wish, and teams will distribute home testing kits that players can use on themselves or those living common with them.

There are no changes to the protocol for unvaccinated players, who still have to test daily.

The new protocols also allow players in high-risk categories, such as those with serious pre-existing health conditions, to opt out of the rest of the season if they are uncomfortable with the changes. change rules. Those who wish to opt out must do so in writing by 2 p.m. ET Monday and will not be paid for the remainder of their team’s 2021 game.