NFL updates COVID-19 protocols; vaccinated individuals can 'test out' of protocols sooner
After nearly 100 NFL players reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 Monday through Wednesday amid coronavirus surges linked with the Omicron variant, it was clear multiple things had to change if the league was to finish the regular season, as planned, on Jan. 9.
Requiring fully vaccinated players and staff members who are asymptomatic to produce a pair of negative COVID-19 tests at least 24 hours apart to return to team activities ahead of 10-day periods wasn't working, and neither was shying away from enhanced coronavirus protocols for all clubs. Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the league addressed both issues on Thursday:
On Wednesday, the NFL Players Association lashed out at the league's decision to test vaccinated players only once per week rather than daily throughout the season. That apparently isn't changing:
Perhaps most importantly for fans of teams currently impacted by major outbreaks, these changes will not affect previous COVID-19 test results:
Questions will continue to be asked about why the NFL didn't tackle such issues sooner considering earlier well-known concerns had about the Omicron variant and predicted rising COVID-19 cases coming off the Thanksgiving holiday. The hope, moving forward, is that "better late than never" isn't just a saying as it pertains to completing the season.
More must-reads: