The NFL and NFLPA entered this week looking to get many important issues solved concerning the safety protocols for COVID-19, and it appears both sides have found common ground on the top issue: the frequency of testing. Per NFL Network’s Judy Batista, there will be daily testing for all organizations for the first 14 days of camp.
The news was first reported by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
Here's a more complete story on the NFL's testing plans: https://t.co/tpCcCNNKkb
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) July 20, 2020
This news comes after players, including Chris Conley of the Jacksonville Jaguars, voiced their displeasure about the NFL’s handling of their COVID-19 protocols. Now, it appears the players got what they wanted temporarily, though the frequency of testing past that point could change.
Per Battista, the plan is to examine the data gathered from the tests of players, coaches, and staff members who are in close contact within each team’s facility. From that point, if the rate of positive tests is below the 5% mark, the NFL will move to testing every other day.
To help track interactions when the players return, they will wear devices at their facility, practice, and when each team travels to trace what player came in contact with each other throughout the day. From that point, team doctors can find the source of infection quickly and isolate that player from the facility. Of course, this will all come as each organization practices social distancing and other safety protocols.
Under the proposed testing protocols, players who test positive but have no symptoms will be allowed to return to their respective facilities after 10 days, or if he tests negative twice within five days. Players that do test positive and show symptoms will be allowed to return after at least 10 days after their initial symptoms and at least three days have passed since the player last endured symptoms.
BioReference Laboratories will be the company handling the testing and analysis for the NFL. Per Florio, the league’s deal is for 120 tests per day, though extra tests will be available for $125.
In the Jags’ case, all players must report to training camp by July 28. Afterward, they are scheduled to have two preseason games against the Tampa Bay Bucs and the league’s Washington franchise — at least for now.