Thread by @TomPelissero

The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to updated COVID-19 protocols for 2021 training camp and preseason, per source.

How different will life by for vaccinated and unvaccinated players? From the memo that just went to clubs:

Unvaccinated individuals -- including players -- also will be prohibited from gathering outside of the club facility or team travel, per the memo. This includes gathering for meetings, practices or training activities unless approved by the NFL and NFLPA.

Major developments for media: Fully vaccinated media will be permitted to conduct in-person interviews with players for the first time since early 2020. Unvaccinated media not allowed in press box, field, sidelines, locker room, etc.

Major competitive implications here: Fully vaccinated individuals exposed to a COVID-positive individual won’t be labeled a high-risk close contact and subject to the mandatory five-day isolation that kept a bunch of players, coaches and others out of games in 2020.

NFL players who aren’t fully vaccinated will be banned from nightclubs, bars, house parties, concerts, etc., with the NFL and clubs allowed to issue fines of a game check up to $50,000 for a first offense — and more thereafter — for violating protocol. Big financial consequences.

The memo reiterates that coaches and other staff who aren’t fully vaccinated and don’t have a religious or medical exemption won’t be eligible for Tier 1 or Tier 2 status starting in training camp, and thus won’t be allowed to work in-person with players.

Fully vaccinated individuals will only be tested for COVID once every two weeks. Individuals who aren’t fully vaccinated will continue daily testing. Also, five-day testing for tryout players, street free agents etc. who aren’t fully vaccinated — a significant hurdle.

"Fans will be permitted to attend Training
Camp, provided that they are more than 20 feet away from Tier 1 staff, including
players, at all times, and adhere to physical distancing requirements. Fans will
not be permitted to interact with players at any time."

"Strength and Conditioning Coaches must be fully vaccinated in order to be in the weight room while players are working out. Players who are not fully vaccinated must wear masks at all times while in indoor weight rooms (including while actively engaged in a workout)."

NFL teams once again are *not* allowed to require players to stay in a team hotel during training camp, per the memo. Clubs may offer rooms for those who choose to stay; single occupancy only.

On game travel: Only fully vaccinated individuals allowed on team charter. Individuals with religious/medical exemptions may travel separately, must wear masks, Mesa test upon arriving, daily testing thereafter, banned from cafeteria and meetings, banned from leaving hotel to eat

Also for unvaccinated individuals during travel: No outside guests in hotel room; no seeing friends or family; no using hotel gym, pool, sauna, etc.; minimal eating/drinking on plane.

So basically ... fly by yourself and sit in your room until kickoff.

The mandatory use of face coverings has been eliminated for fully vaccinated coaches under the updated protocols. So, goodbye to Andy Reid's mask and other vestiges of the 2020 COVID season.

Another piece of news tucked into today's memo: Halftime shows are back.

"Fully vaccinated National Anthem and Halftime talent are permitted to perform on the field, provided they access the field from a tunnel that is separate from players."