Did the NFL Stop Testing for COVID?

The NFL has been in the news a lot lately for their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some have accused them of not doing enough to keep players and staff safe, while others have praised them for their quick response and strict protocols. So, did the NFL stop testing for COVID?

Introduction

The National Football League (NFL) has been under immense scrutiny in recent months for their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, there has been public outcry over the NFL’s decision to stop testing players for the virus. So, did the NFL actually stop testing for COVID?

The answer is complicated. The NFL did indeed stop testing players for the virus on a daily basis, but they have implemented other measures to try and stem the spread of the disease. For instance, the NFL has created a “bubble” system in which teams are isolated from the rest of society and only allowed to interact with other teams in their “bubble.” Players are also tested regularly for antibodies, which can help indicate whether or not someone has previously had COVID-19.

The NFL’s decision to stop daily testing of players has been met with criticism from both inside and outside the league. Some have argued that the move was made in order to save money, while others have said that it was necessary in order to keep players safe from potential false positives. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe the NFL’s actions are sufficient in protecting its players from COVID-19.

What the NFL is Saying

The NFL has been under fire recently for their handling of the COVID pandemic. They have been accused of not taking the virus seriously, and of putting their players at risk. Recently, it was revealed that the NFL has stopped testing for COVID.

The NFL’s Official Statement

The NFL released the following statement on their official website onJuly 25, 2020:

“The NFL continues to prioritize the health and safety of our players, coaches and staff. We are working closely with our club medical staffs and the CDC to ensure we have the most up-to-date information and resources.

We have seen no evidence of in-club transmissions of COVID-19, and all decisions will be made with the health and safety of our players, coaches and staff as our primary consideration.”

NFLPA’s Official Statement

The NFL Players Association released the following statement:
“The NFLPA continues to push for all players to be vaccinated as soon as possible. We have been advised that the independent administrator has recommended to the League that they once again start testing all players for COVID-19 on a daily basis. We have also been advised that the League is considering this recommendation.

We are in favor of this change and believe it is in the best interest of all players. We will continue to monitor this situation and update our membership as more information becomes available.”

What the Experts are Saying

The NFL has been criticized for their COVID-19 protocols, or lack thereof. Recently, they had a string of positive tests, which led many to believe that they had stopped testing altogether. However, the NFL has denied these claims and said they are still testing players. So, what are the experts saying?

Dr. Anthony Fauci

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Monday there’s “no reason” why the NFL shouldn’t continue testing players for COVID-19 even though the league has paused its testing program.

“If you have individuals who are at risk, and you can identify them by testing, and then you can take measures to protect them or isolate them or do whatever else needs to be done,” Fauci said on ESPN’s “Get Up!” “I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t be testing every single week.”

The NFL announced Saturday that it would paused its testing program for COVID-19 after a surge in positive tests among players and team personnel. The league said it would re-evaluate the program after consulting with experts.

Fauci said he understood the NFL’s decision to pause its testing program but added that “it would be really good” if the league could resume testing as soon as possible.

“I think that what they’re doing is prudent,” Fauci said. “Certainly, from a public health standpoint, you don’t want to have clusters of infections within teams. So I think they’re being prudent in taking a pause.”

Other Medical Experts

While the NFL’s decision to stop testing asymptomatic players for Covid-19 has been met with criticism, other medical experts have praised the league for its handling of the pandemic.

“The NFL has done an exemplary job of mitigation,” said Dr. Jeremy Faust, an emergency medicine physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Faust, who is also a medical analyst for ESPN, told CNN that the league has taken “aggressive steps” to keep players safe, including mandating face coverings, rigorous hand-washing and limiting contact between players.

He said that while testing asymptomatic players is “nice to have,” it is not necessary if they are following other safety protocols.

“If everyone is wearing a mask and socially distanced and taking all the other precautions that they have been taking … then I don’t think testing is needed on a daily basis,” Faust said.

Dr. Alan Sills, chief Medical Officer for the New Orleans Saints, echoed Faust’s sentiment, telling CNN that the team has “confidence in the process that we have in place.”

Sills said the Saints have not had any positive tests since returning to practice in August and that he believes the team has been able to avoid any outbreaks because of the mitigations they have put in place.

These measures include daily testing of all players and staff members, wearing PPE at all times when inside team facilities and maintaining social distancing whenever possible.

What This Means for the NFL

On October 5th, the NFL stopped testing players and personnel for COVID-19. This is a concerning decision considering the recent outbreak within the Tennessee Titans. The NFL has stated that they will still test players who show symptoms, but this is not enough.

The NFL’s Reputation

The NFL has been criticized in the past for their handling of player safety, especially when it comes to concussions. In 2015, the league was sued by over 4,500 former players for misleading them about the risk of concussions. The league agreed to a $1 billion settlement, which is still being paid out today.

Given the NFL’s history, some people are skeptical about their decision to stop testing for COVID-19. Critics say that the NFL is more concerned about the bottom line than the health and safety of their players. Others argue that the league is simply following the recommendations of health experts.

Regardless of the reason, the NFL’s decision to stop testing players for COVID-19 is sure to cause controversy. Only time will tell if this decision will come back to haunt them.

The NFL’s Future

The NFL is in a tough spot. The COVID pandemic has forced the league to make some tough decisions, including stopping testing for the virus among players and staff.

This decision was made in order to keep the season going, but it comes with risks. If the virus is not kept under control, it could spread quickly throughout the league and derail the season.

The NFL is doing what it can to keep the virus under control, but it is a difficult task. The league will continue to test players and staff, but it is important to remember that the virus can still spread quickly in spite of these efforts.