The rise in COVID-19 cases around the country been reflected by major sports leagues perhaps as clearly as anywhere else.
Over the course of the last two weeks, the NFL, NBA and NHL — and soccer leagues abroad — have found themselves battling with the reality that was always likely: COVID-19 cases spiking after Thanksgiving, and into the winter months.
The recent numbers for the NFL are stunning. In the first three months of the season, there were 110 recorded cases.
On Monday through Wednesday of this week alone, 106 players tested positive for COVID-19. At least seven more players were added to the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday, bringing that number to at least 113.
Similar issues have emerged in the NBA:
The NFL released the following statement on Thursday, pre-empting the release of new protocols for teams:
Throughout the pandemic we have continuously evolved our protocols to meet our goal of advancing the safety of the players, coaches and staff. The changes we are making today aim to address the increase in cases and the advent of the Omicron variant. Effective immediately, all clubs will implement preventative measures that have proven effective: masking regardless of vaccination status, remote or outdoor meetings, eliminating in-person meals, and no outside visitors while on team travel. We will continue to strongly encourage booster shots as the most effective protection. Finally, and based on expert advice, we will adjust the return-to-participation requirements for those who have recovered from COVID-19. All of these changes are grounded in our data and science-backed approach, with safety our number-one goal for the entire NFL community.
The change in protocols restrict what players are allowed to do both in and away from team facilities. Players are no longer allowed to have visitors or dine out on the road, cannot attend parties or large gatherings, or attend public appearances.
The protocols also make an adjustment to how the league determines whether someone is contagious, effectively raising the bar for what a viral load is, and allowing players to return from the Reserve/COVID-19 list quicker.
The 49ers, thus far, have not had COVID-19 issues since the start of training camp and currently have zero players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
These moves by the NFL, with less than a month remaining in the regular season, are a clear reflection of the league’s desire to get through the remainder of the season without postponements. Tier 1 and 2 personnel have already been mandated to get booster shots by December 27.
Below is a more detailed explanation of the league’s new rules about “testing out” of quarantine and getting off the Reserve/COVID-19 list quicker. Essentially, the threshold for testing positive is higher, so while someone may count as “positive” under old rules, they may not under new rules.
It’s enough to make your head spin, and comes as the 49ers are set to face the Falcons this weekend and travel to Nashville for a Thursday night matchup just before Christmas next week.