Prior to opening training camp, each NFL team is required to submit and have approved an Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plan before allowing players to enter team facilities, per the NFL and NFLPA’s agreement.
The Chicago Bears’ IDER plan has been approved, just in time to start training camp on July 28.
We have now approved the Infectious Disease Emergency Plans (IDER) for 20 clubs: https://t.co/QDpwuWTJdV pic.twitter.com/FgmX0Wog92
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 27, 2020
One of the biggest questions is how the NFL will navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, especially given the recent outbreak of the virus among the Miami Marlins, which has resulted in the postponement of several regular-season MLB games.
While it’s difficult to ascertain exactly what will transpire as NFL players begin reporting to team facilities, the Bears have a clear plan in place. The team shared a video of Head Athletic Trainer and Infectious Control Officer (ICO) Andre Tucker, who shared some of the precautions being taken at Halas Hall with the arrival of rookies and veterans.
Bears rookie running back Artavis Pierce was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday, the team’s first player to land on the list. The reserve/COVID-19 list status for players that have either tested positive for COVID-19 or has been quarantine having been exposed to someone infected with the virus.
Teams aren’t permitted to reveal whether or not a player has tested positive for COVID-19. Once placed on this list, the player is not counted on the active roster, which currently brings Chicago’s active roster to 84 ahead of the Aug. 16 deadline.
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