NFL Sends Memo Outlining Enhanced Protocols After COVID-19 Outbreak in Week 4

NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills and VP of health and safety innovation Jeff Miller sent a leaguewide memo with enhanced COVID-19 protocols on Thursday following an outbreak of the coronavirus within the Tennessee Titans.

The memo, obtained by NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, reminds teams to act as though every person they come in contact with has a COVID infection and to take appropriate precautions.

Among the requirements under the "Post Exposure COVID Procedures" guidelines—specifically for clubs that may be experiencing an outbreak or had exposure to a club with one—are teams must conduct all meetings virtually and no team or player gatherings will be permitted away from club facilities. 

The Titans saw their Week 4 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers postponed because five players landed on the COVID-19 list as of Thursday. The new guidelines will help teams like the Minnesota Vikings—who played the Titans last week—keep their players and staff as safe as possible. 

Following a positive test, or positive test by a recent opponent, personal protective equipment and face masks must be worn on the practice fields by all players and staffers without exception. 

The weight room will also be limited to no more than 10 players at any time.

Additionally, team activities must take place either outdoors or in large, open spaces whenever possible.

It will be up to Sills and the league's medical experts to determine when a club must operate under the Post Exposure COVID Procedures. Sills will also decided when the procedures can be lifted.

The NFL had a number of positive tests during training camp but entered the season without any new cases. Only three weeks into the 2020 season, a new cluster of positive tests has forced the league to continue adjusting its approach to playing amid a pandemic.