The NFL has ruled that only properly vaccinated staff, and a maximum of 50 people, will have access to the locker room when players are present on game days.
According to a memo sent to the 32 teams, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the policy is effective immediately. The staff mentioned in the new rule include coaches, therapists, equipment attendants, a general manager, a safety representative, three members of the communications team and a locker room support employee.
Players are not required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but the NFL has reported that over 90% of them already are.
“Journalists not affiliated with the team will not be allowed in the locker room,” is written in the note dated Wednesday. If a player needs medical help in the dressing room or if the club chooses to collect the samples for doping tests on a match day, the medical professional or person in charge of the collection […] may have access to the locker room without being included in the maximum of 50 people in the locker room, as long as he is adequately vaccinated. ”
A COVID-19 protocol coordinator per team will also be able to enter the locker room to manage Kinexon devices (which are used for tracking and social distancing) or to perform the disinfection required by the league without counting in the maximum of 50 people. . These individuals will also need to be adequately vaccinated.
The teams conclude the preparatory calendar this weekend. The regular season kicks off on September 9, when the reigning Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Dallas Cowboys. The first full series of matches will take place on September 12.
