In a move that is sure to excite some fans, the NFL just sent out a memo to all 32 teams detailing plans for team facilities to start reopening on May 19.
From the NFL to owners and presidents regarding the potential reopening of facilities amid the Coronavirus pandemic pic.twitter.com/YKpyDQaGvq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 15, 2020
The move gets us one step closer to NFL football as NFL will allow teams that are allowed to under state and local regulations to reopen their team facilities beginning Tuesday, for certain personnel.
To keep the playing field equal, the league banned the coaching staff from the team facilities during the “Phase 1” reopening.
To meet the criteria for the first phase of reopening teams must secure approval from state and local authorities, being in compliance with any additional public health requirements in the jurisdiction, and implementing protocols developed by the league’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills.
Players still are prohibited from team facilities for now unless they are undergoing treatment or rehabilitation.
Teams like the Eagles that are unable to meet the league’s criteria for reopening Tuesday “may reopen their facilities on the earliest date thereafter on which they are able to meet the criteria.”
Some states like Pennsylvania remain under stay-at-home orders, while others have eased restrictions.
On Tuesday, Governor Tom Wolf announced that thirteen western Pennsylvania counties will move to the yellow phase of reopening today. Twenty-four counties in the northwest and north-central part of the state eased restrictions last week.
The rest of the state, including Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, is under a stay-at-home order until June 4.
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