The NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) jointly agreed on Wednesday to suspend all CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus protocols going into the new season, citing a recent downward trend of COVID-19 infections.
“Based on current encouraging trends regarding the prevalence and severity of COVID-19, the evolving guidance from the CDC, changes to state law and the counsel of our respective experts, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to suspend all aspects of the joint COVID-19 Protocols,” the league said in a memo obtained by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The new measure, effective immediately, means players and staff are no longer obligated to wear masks at team facilities, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. However, clubs can still require masks “if they elect to do so.”
Mandatory testing for both players and staff was also eliminated regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status and testing will occur only when clinically indicated or at the direction of a team physician. In addition, social distancing signs no longer are required as well.
Here’s the memo that just went to clubs on the NFL and NFLPA suspending all COVID-19 protocols. No more masks, tracking devices, mandatory surveillance testing or capacity limits, unless required by state and local law. pic.twitter.com/TIdvfCWr9m
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 3, 2022
Despite mandatory testing being lifted, each club must have a facility available to accommodate anyone who reports CCP virus symptoms and requires testing.
“All individuals must continue to monitor themselves for symptoms on a daily basis prior to entering the club facility,” the league said in its memo, adding that should a player or staff member test positive, they must self-isolate for five days after their test.
Should the NFL find the need to reimpose any aspects of the lifted protocols, it will do so in conjunction with the NFLPA.
“Should there be a reason to reimpose aspects of the protocols or to take other measures, we will work closely with 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,” it said.
No NFL games were canceled during the past two seasons because over the pandemic, though many were moved during the 2020 schedule. About 95 percent of the players and nearly 100 percent of team personnel were vaccinated, the league reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
