#NFL coronavirus protocols include locker-room social distancing

Reconfigured locker rooms creating six feet of space between teammates, masks worn by players and coaches at all times except for on the practice field, and outdoor team meetings are just part of the plan.

In a step toward emerging from the coronavirus shutdown, the league sent a memo to teams Monday to immediately begin adhering to protocols for the 2020 season governing access to restricted areas of facilities, physical distancing, equipment cleaning, food service and hygiene. The NFL and its Players Association can jointly conduct unannounced inspections to ensure compliance.

Teams must designate all personnel into three tiers based on the required contact with players, coaches and necessary access to restricted areas. All football essential personnel are subject to daily screening.

The NFL wants to continue virtual team and position meetings – the procedure used during OTAs – whenever possible, limiting time in the facility to the practice windows. Players and coaches must wear a mask at all times it does not interfere with athletic activities (read: practice), including any in-person meetings moved outdoors.

Many NFL locker rooms and weight rooms already are cramped during the preseason – when 90 players are rostered instead of the regular 53 plus practice squad – so this could require converting supplemental locker-room space. Strength and conditioning workouts are capped at 15 players simultaneously.

Players sharing water bottles and sports drinks, towels and clothes is prohibited, and team cafeteria meals are to be prepared for take-out rather than buffet-style. Phones, keys and other personal items must be cleaned upon entering a facility, and football equipment must be disinfected after every game and practice.

Each team must formulate an approved Infectious Disease Emergency Response Plan. Maintaining a minimum two-week supply of masks and other personal protective equipment is required.

Specifics on testing, including the handling of positive results or symptomatic employees, and team travel were not addressed.

June minicamps widely have been scrapped and training camps are expected to begin in late July, but rookies and veterans who changed teams in the offseason and need to undergo a physical could return to facilities on a limited basis by June 26.

“While these protocols have been carefully developed and are based on the most current information from leading experts,” commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in the memo, “no set of protocols can eliminate the risk of contracting COVID-19, nor ensure that the disease itself will be mild.”