They report a decrease in positive tests for COVID-19 in the NFL

• Kevin Seifert

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  He joined ESPN.com in 2008 after covering the Minnesota Vikings for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for eight years.

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The league saw a 47.7 percent drop in COVID-19 cases from the previous testing period.

The NFL experienced a significant drop in infections of COVID-19 during the most recent probationary period, possibly the result of a decision in mid-November to place all 32 teams in the league under “intensive” protocols designed to minimize high-risk contacts.

A total of 45 employees from NFL –18 players and 27 staff members– tested positive between November 29 and December 5. That is a 47.7 percent decrease from the previous testing period, and the lowest for any testing period since late October. The NFL and the NFL Players Association they typically test between 7,000 and 8,000 people each period.

The NFL moved to intensive protocols on November 18, after the start of an outbreak among players and staff of the Baltimore Ravens which lasted almost two weeks. Among other things, the protocols require that all meetings take place virtually, unless they can be held outdoors or in the practice bubble with all attendees wearing face masks and contact tracing devices.

Additionally, all players and coaches must wear face masks during light simulation sessions. Gym attendance is limited to 10 players and five coaches at a time, the use of locker rooms is not encouraged, and cafeterias are only allowed to serve take out food.

The NFL They have continued to adjust their protocols and, this week, they reduced access to the teams’ facilities in the two days following each game.

The league is scheduled to play its 192nd game on Tuesday night, between the Ravens Y Dallas Cowboys. When complete, the NFL it will have completed 75 percent of its regular season schedule by 2020.

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