Tag: testing protocols

Dr. Fauci, the NFL and the players’ union weigh in on testing protocols

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the NFL and the players’ union have weighed in on testing protocols for the coronavirus and all three seem to be at odds.

The National Football League is desperately trying to find a way to put its product on the field in 2020, however, the coronavirus pandemic seems to have a timeline of its own.

On Thursday, one of the nation’s leading medical experts – Dr. Anthony Fauci – gave his thoughts on whether or not football is likely to be played this season.

“Unless players are essentially in a bubble – insulated from the community and they are tested nearly every day – it would be very hard to see how football is able to be played this fall,” Fauci told CNN. “If there is a second wave, which is certainly a possibility and which would be complicated by the predictable flu season, football may not happen this year.”

The NFL responded shortly thereafter with a statement from its own expert, chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills.

 

The NFLPA was also quick to respond, with a message from the union’s medical director, Thom Mayer.

All three experts seem to agree that testing will be one of the most important factors in ensuring player safety. But just exactly how the protocols will be put in place remains a major discrepancy.

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NFLPA medical director speaks with NFL agents about testing protocols

NFLPA medical director, Thom Mayer, spoke with NFL agents about COVID-19 testing protocols following the news several players are positive.

Before the National Football League becomes fully open for business, protocols need to be put into place for the safe reopening of team facilities and stadiums around the country.

Training camps are slated to start in six weeks for most clubs and the NFL must figure out how to handle those players and staff who ultimately test positive for COVID-19.

Following the news that players from both the Texans and the Cowboys have tested positive for the coronavirus, NFLPA medical director Thomas Mayer spoke with NFL agents, per Tom Pelissero.

“In a call with agents today, NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer said the current plan is to test players for COVID-19 about 3 times a week, isolating those who test positive,” Pelissero tweeted Monday afternoon. “Per Mayer, there’s a 90% chance reliable saliva testing is available before players return to facilities.”

Pelissero also noted that NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said the union and the NFL are expected “to make headway on overall protocols going forward in the next 30 days or so.”

More testing will inevitably expose more cases, however, the NFL must find a way to safely handle any potential outbreaks before players are allowed to report for duty.

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