The NFL has set protocol for reopening team facilities amid the coronavirus pandemic and has told the league’s 32 teams to have the system in place by May 15.
In a memo sent by commissioner Roger Goodell and obtained by The Associated Press, several phases of the protocol were laid out. The first would involve a limited number of nonplayer personnel – initially 50% of a team’s nonplayer employees (up to a total of 75) on any single day – being approved to be at the facility. State or local regulations could require a lower number, though.
Teams will decide which employees could return to their facilities and when those will reopen. No players would be permitted in the facilities except to continue injury treatment (therapy and rehab) that was underway in late March when Goodell ordered facilities closed.
“While these protocols have been carefully developed and reflect best practices,” Goodell wrote, “they can also be adapted and supplemented to ensure compliance with any state and local public health requirements.”
Goodell noted the league is actively working on the next phase of reopening, which will involve both players and more staff. He said the players’ union is also being consulted on these steps, which are not yet fully developed.