NFL Chief Medical Officer Allen Sills said that the league, in discussion with the NFLPA, is "close to completing an updated novel coronavirus testing protocol for the regular season that could include tests with rapid results to provide players with final clearance to participate in games," according to Mark Maske of the WASHINGTON POST. Sills "did not specify how long before a game the rapid-result testing might take place or that it necessarily would occur on game day." During an approximately 45-minute conversation, Sills said that the NFL is "prepared to shut down teams if that becomes necessary during the season because of any actual or potential outbreaks." He explained that a player "would be withheld from a game if he exhibits any coronavirus symptoms, even if that player tests negative." Sills "declined to specify how many positive cases would lead to a team being shut down during the season, calling that 'a complex decision that has several layers to it.'" He said that the NFLPA and medical experts "would be involved in any such decision." Sills: "Our protocols are very strict. If he tests positive, that’s a little bit of a no-brainer. But even if he has covid symptoms and he tests negative, we’re still going to keep him out because we know that people don’t always test positive right away" (WASHINGTON POST, 8/29).
