January 1, NFL Suspends All COVID Protocols

The National Football League (NFL) and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) have suspended all COVID-19 protocols.

The NFL will no longer conduct mandatory surveillance testing of any players or staff. Masks are also no longer required around the team facility, regardless of vaccination status. The move marks a drastic change from when fully vaccinated individuals were required to test weekly and unvaccinated individuals daily.

Both organizations cited “encouraging trends regarding the prevalence and severity of Covid-19” and evolving guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of the players, coaches and staff, as we have throughout the pandemic,” the NFL said.

“Should there be a reason to reimpose aspects of the Protocols or to take other measures, we will work closely with clubs, the NFLPA and our respective experts, and local, state and federal public health officials to continue to safeguard the health of the NFL community.”

The league added that teams must remain “in compliance with state and local law and are free to continue reasonable measures to protect their staff and players.”

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The NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to suspend all Covid-19 protocols