The NFL is reportedly planning on a robust COVID-19 testing strategy that would include people living with players. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Report: NFL to test players and families for coronavirus

Amid continued speculation that the NFL Players Association could officially request that all preseason games planned for August be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the league reportedly has a plan to track infections and possible outbreaks among personnel.

On Monday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero explained that the NFL intends to consistently test players, family members, and those living with players throughout the 2020 campaign:

"Right now, the NFL and NFLPA, though, still finalizing their testing protocols. What I can tell you is that under the current protocol, there will be an initial intake screening that would consist of two different tests: One for the virus, that would be a nasal swab, as well as one for antibodies, which would consist of a finger prick.


"Now, in addition to testing the players, I am told that the plan would be to also test players' family members and anyone else who they are cohabitating with, give them an initial test as well. Everyone is confident that they'll be able to get those results back within 24 hours. 


"Now, it's important to understand, this is not a bubble that the NFL is doing here but it is an ecosystem. That is something that Dr. Thom Mayer from the union and Dr. Allen Sills from the NFL emphasized to players in a conference call on Friday, which is that testing alone is not a magic bullet. It's also about wearing masks, social distancing, it is about your behavior even when you are away from the facility. The league and union are also collaborating and finalizing educational videos that players will be shown during camp."

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci has said the NFL should embrace a "bubble" concept to complete a season during the uncontrolled virus outbreak. 

Major League Soccer, the NBA, and the NHL are all sending teams to temporary hub sites for return-to-play scenarios. Meanwhile, MLB is having clubs host games in-market in empty ballparks without fans in attendance. 

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