Despite the limitations of the previous two seasons caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL is getting ready to play yet another season. However, with vaccines available to eradicate the virus, the league is adjusting its safety protocols. Here is what you need to know about the NFL COVID rules.
NFL COVID Rules
The NFL isn’t mandating that all of its players get vaccinated. However, the League is making changes to its COVID rules to keep its vaccinated players on the field and guarantee smooth sailing of the season. Below is a breakdown of how the COVID protocols will work this season:
NFL COVID Protocols for Vaccinated Players
Under the new NFL COVID protocols, vaccinated players are no longer required to test for COVID every week but must go through a “strategic spot testing” process. This new protocol is to ensure that asymptomatic players are not tested so frequently while the League deals with the Omicron variant.
Although it is still unclear how often vaccinated players will be subject to these tests, they appear to be some sort of batch test. The NFL will be enforcing strict COVID symptom screenings at every facility; therefore, vaccinated players will be tested for COVID during the season as follows.
Any vaccinated player with any of these symptoms would not be allowed into the team facility until tested negative.
If a vaccinated player has been in close contact with an infected person within the facility, they will be required to take the COVID test. The team’s Chief Medical Officer will stipulate the number of days the individual will be tested for the virus.
Vaccinated players may wish to test voluntarily. They can either request to be tested by medical experts or given a home test kit, after which they are required to immediately provide results in the event their self-test comes out positive.
NFL COVID Protocols for Unvaccinated Players
The NFL COVID protocols for unvaccinated players remain unchanged during this season.
These protocols are stricter than those for vaccinated players and are as follows:
If an unvaccinated player tests positive for COVID, they will be isolated for 10 days and only be allowed to return when they test negative.
An unvaccinated player must undergo a 5-day quarantine period if they have come in close contact with an infected person.
They must be tested for COVID every day at the team facility. If a player misses a day of testing, they will be required to test negative for COVID for five straight days before entering the facility.
Unvaccinated free agents must also test negative for five consecutive days before they are allowed into a team facility.
Unvaccinated players are required to wear masks.
They are not allowed to be in groups larger than three players and are prohibited from mingling with individuals outside of the traveling party once they are in the game city.
Unvaccinated players will be fined for breaking any of these NFL COVID protocols.
When is a Player Considered Fully Vaccinated?
A player is considered fully vaccinated if they fall into either of the following categories:
If two weeks have passed since they finished their final dose of Pfizer, Moderna, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
If they had previously contracted the COVID virus and two weeks has passed since they had a single dose of the vaccine.
When Can Fully Vaccinated Players Return After Testing Positive?
Fully vaccinated players who have a positive test for COVID can return immediately if they tested negative with two tests taken at least 24 days apart.
When Can Unvaccinated Players Return After Testing Positive?
Unvaccinated players who test positive for COVID require 10-day isolation and can only return when the test results show that they no longer have the virus.
Do Players Have to Return a Negative Test to Play?
Yes, all players are required to return a negative test to play. A negative test result shows that the player is no longer infected with the virus and is of no danger to the team.
Will the NFL Postpone Games Because of COVID?
Since the NFL is hoping to play its entire 272-game season safely and responsibly, postponements may occur if instructed by government authorities, medical experts, or at the Commissioner’s judgment.
If a team is unable to play due to a COVID outbreak among vaccinated players, the league will make efforts to lessen the competitive and economic implications on both teams. However, these implications will fall on any team experiencing an outbreak among its unvaccinated players. They may be forced to play shorthanded, at a less convenient time, or forfeit.
Additional Questions
What are the NFL COVID Vaccine Rules for Fans?
All fans agree on behalf of themselves and anyone they obtain a game ticket for to abide by the NFL COVID vaccine rules for fans. Here are the rules:
Fans must not attend a game if they have a positive test for COVID within 14 days before the game.
Fans must not attend a game within 14 days of coming in close contact with an infected person.
Fans who are subject to federal or local travel or quarantine advisory due to COVID must not attend a game.
Fans who have experienced COVID symptoms within the 48 hours before a game must not attend.
What is the NFL COVID List?
The NFL COVID list is a comprehensive list of NFL players and coaches across all 32 teams who have tested positive for COVID heading into the NFL Conference Championships.
Conclusion
With the implementation of these COVID protocols set up by the NFL, both players and staff will no longer be required to undergo mandatory monitoring checks or wear masks and tracking devices. However, teams will be expected to make provisions within their facilities for individuals who exhibit COVID symptoms.
