NFL, NFLPA agree to reduce COVID-19 isolation period

The NFL and NFLPA agreed Monday to modify COVID-19 protocols in accordance with updated CDC guidelines, the league said in a memo, according to Mike Garofalo of NFL Network.

Under the new protocols, regardless of vaccination status, players who test positive can stop isolating after five days if they haven't had a fever in the last 24 hours and any other symptoms they experienced have resolved or improved.

Players who clear the five-day isolation period have to wear a KN-95 or N-95 mask at all times, except during practice and games, for another five days after returning.

The previous protocol required unvaccinated players to isolate for 10 days after testing positive.

Vaccinated players can still "test out" of isolation ahead of the five-day mark, either with two negative test results of any type from around the same time, or a PCR test with a cycle threshold (CT) value suggesting they are no longer contagious and a negative rapid test.

Individuals will be subject to a 90-day testing holiday counting from the date of their positive test.

The league is also implementing further precautions in the midst of a surge in positive cases. All players and staff must wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status. Meetings will now be restricted to outdoors or large indoor spaces.

The NFL and NFLPA previously eliminated weekly testing for asymptomatic vaccinated players, with the exception of teams in intensive protocols.

The NFL is the first professional sports organization to align with the CDC's quarantine recommendations.