Report: NFL expected to test players' families, cohabitants before camp
In addition to testing its players for COVID-19, the NFL is also planning to test players' family members and cohabitants prior to the start of training camp in July, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
"Right now, the NFL and NFLPA, though, still finalizing their testing protocols," Pelissero said, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "What I can tell you is that under the current protocol, there would be an initial intake screening that would consist of two different tests: one for the virus, that would be a nasal swab, as well as one for antibodies, which would consist of a finger prick."
"... I am told that the plan would be to also test players' family members and anyone else who they are cohabiting with, give them an initial test as well," he added. "Everyone is confident that they'll be able to get those results back within 24 hours.
"Now it's important to understand, this is not a bubble that the NFL is doing here but it is an ecosystem; that is something that Dr. Thom Mayer from the union and Dr. Allen Sills from the NFL emphasized to players in a conference call on Friday, which is that testing alone is not a magic bullet, it's also about wearing masks, social distancing, your behavior even when you are away from the facility."
The league has told teams that camps - which are slated to start for most clubs on July 28 - will open as scheduled despite the coronavirus pandemic. Commissioner Roger Goodell also said teams should prepare to host games at their stadiums.
The preseason is reportedly set to be cut from four games to two, giving teams time to make up for the missed organized team activities earlier in the offseason. However, the NFLPA reportedly voted unanimously in favor of the league eliminating the preseason altogether for the 2020 campaign.
The NFL has said it intends to play the upcoming season in full and in front of fans, though the league reportedly could ask those attending games to sign a liability waiver.