NFL releases updated COVID-19 protocols for vaccinated, unvaccinated players
2021-06-16
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Last season was a bit different with the United States in the height of the pandemic. Restrictions were pretty darn clear as the league attempted to navigate through said pandemic and still complete a full 17-week regular season as well as the playoffs.
This year is dramatically different in that the NFL will separate vaccinated players from unvaccinated players as the league looks to get back to normalcy. It’s in this that the power that be released updated COVID-19 protocols for training camp and the upcoming 2021 campaign.
Fully vaccinated NFL players
No daily testing required
Masks not required at club facility or during team travel
No physical distancing required in club facility with other vaccinated individuals
No quarantine required after high-risk exposure to COVID
No travel restrictions
No capacity limits in weight room
May eat in cafeteria with other fully vaccinated individuals
No off-field restrictions (sponsorship meetings, dining etc…)
May interact with vaccinated family members, friends
Must remain physically distanced from others at club facility
Must quarantine after high-risk exposure to COVID
Travel restrictions in effect
15 player limit in weight room
Players must be distanced in meal room; can’t eat with teammates
No social-marketing or social activities off the field are permitted
May not use sauna/steam room
May not leave team hotel during travel
Further NFL COVID-19 protocols
NFL players who aren’t fully vaccinated can’t go to nightclubs, bars, house parties or concerts. NFL teams are allowed to issue fines of a game check up to $50,000 for a first offense for violating protocol. Further violations will lead to expanded fines.
Fully vaccinated media will be permitted to conduct in-person interviews with players for the first time since early 2020. Unvaccinated media not allowed in press box, field, sidelines, locker room, etc, per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.
Coaches who are not fully vaccinates and don’t have religious or medical exemptions won’t be allowed to work in-person with players during training camp. This is a major thing when it comes to competitiveness around the NFL.
NFL COVID-19 protocols and incentives to get vaccinated
We have heard the likes of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians pretty much call out those players who have opted against getting vaccinated. It’s now clear that the NFL is incentivizing players to get vaccinated.
As of earlier this week, half of the NFL’s 32 teams have at least 51 players who have been fully vaccinated or are in the process of getting fully vaccinated. More than half of all NFL players have had at least one shot.
NFL teams and those who run the ship want to get back to normalcy as soon as possible. The league will allow for relaxed COVID-19 protocols for teams with at least 85% of the players on their current 90-man rosters having been vaccinated.