NFL makes major change to COVID-19 testing protocols

The NFL is set to make a groundbreaking change to its COVID-19 testing protocols, Yahoo! Sports reports. Beginning next week, the league will no longer require weekly tests for vaccinated players who are asymptomatic.

The announcement has led to criticism from some, who believe fewer tests will result in faster spread of the virus.

“These new protocols will result in everyone in the NFL coming into contact with COVID,” sports epidemiologist Binney said. “The hope is if you’re vaccinated — and especially if you’re boosted — you’ll be able to fight off the virus with no or mild symptoms. But unless you’re boosted it’s quite likely you’ll contract the virus and perhaps spread it to others, as well.”

Fully vaccinated players will still be subject to “targeted testing,” per the league memo. Such testing will fall under the discretion of the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer. It will be based on position groups and staff cohorts.

The move comes after more than 100 players tested positive for the virus in the past week. It is likely meant to decrease the amount of players who will be forced to sit out, lessening the possibility of canceled games.

Players will still have the option to volunteer to test if they desire, but may be inclined not to if they feel a positive test would rule them out. The new NFL COVID-19 testing protocols also state that players still “retain the option to attend meetings virtually and wear a mask within the facility.”

The arrival of the Omicron variant of the virus in the United States has led to a spike in COVID cases across multiple sports. The NBA’s Chicago Bulls postponed two games and have not played in eight days after a team outbreak. Multiple NHL teams have also postponed games in the past week.

According to the CDC, the new variant “likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus.” Additionally, the CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.