A sense of normalcy is set to return to the NFL.
With recent trends proving the declination of COVID-19, the NFL has decided to suspend all aspects of coronavirus protocols, which means social distancing, face coverings and constant testing will be no longer required. On Thursday, the league announced that the NFL and NFL Players Association agreed on this decision, which will be effective immediately.
In an agreement with the players' association, the league sent a memo to the 32 teams Thursday expressing this decision. If the NFL finds reasons to reimpose any aspects of the protocols, it will do so in conjunction with the NFL Players Association.
That doesn’t mean these changes will be permanent however.
“We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of players, coaches and staff, as we have throughout the pandemic,” the league said in a memo. “Should there be a reason to reimpose aspects of the Protocols or to take other measures, we will work closely with those clubs, the NFLPA and our respective experts, and local, state and federal public health officials to continue to safeguard the health of the NFL community.”
Protocols will be lifted unless local laws require them, in which case the NFL will continue to follow local regulations.
Despite all the changes, the league said if anyone does experience COVID-19 symptoms, they must report it to their team and take a COVID-19 test. If someone tests positive for the virus, they must isolate for five days.
Tom Pelissero tweeted out an image of the memo the league sent:
