Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL strengthening COVID-19 protocols for holiday season

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/17/21

The National Football League will buckle down on its COVID-19 safety protocols for its packed holiday schedule, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday morning.

The mask mandate applies indoors and runs from Thanksgiving (Nov. 25) through Dec. 1 for all players and staff, regardless of vaccination status. All players and staff will be tested the Monday and Wednesday after the holiday.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 17, 2021

Perhaps it is no surprise the league is beefing up protocols given that COVID cases are on the rise across the country and many players will spend more time with family and friends this holiday season.

The NFL itself is also dealing with many of its marquee players testing positive for the virus and making headlines for their statuses on getting vaccinated, so it will be interesting to see if the league keeps some of the more strict guidelines in place even after the holiday season is over.

The memo notes the NFL has been periodically reviewing surveillance video for in-facility violations. “In addition, effective on or before November 29, all clubs will be required to have video camera surveillance of their weight room and cafeteria areas available for review.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 17, 2021

Week 12 of the NFL schedule kicks off with three games on Thanksgiving day, starting with the Detroit Lions making their usual early Turkey Day appearance against the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys filling the afternoon slot against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Bills and Saints cap things off with the night game.

More must-reads: