NFL sends memo to teams to have facility reopening measures in place by May 15

There might be a light at the end of the tunnel.

With the sports world on hiatus due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the NFL is taking steps to have its teams reopen their practice facilities.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared a memo that commissioner Roger Goodell sent out to all 32 organizations to have their reopening protocols in place by May 15.

As state and local governments begin loosening social distancing measures, the league wants teams to begin phase one on the 15th. While this doesn’t mean things will immediately go back to normal, it is a positive step.

Some of the key point from the memo are:

• Have permission to reopen from state and local governments.
• Social-distancing measures are followed, such as: maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet, wearing face coverings and recommending employees wear gloves.
• Teams can only have up to 50% of non-player staff allowed in the building, with a limit of 75 per day.
• Have a infection control officer on the staff who will be a point of contact for any employee showing coronavirus symptoms.
• Have a team of doctors and athletic trainers who can handle the necessary response to an infection.
• Provide training on coronavirus safety and hygiene to all employees who will be returning to the facility.
• Enough cleaning supplies on-hand.

The NFL hasn’t been as hard hit as the other major American sports leagues. With the league being in the offseason, it was able to hold the 2020 Draft virtually and will release its 2020 regular season schedule today.

With the San Francisco 49ers being based in California, a state that has been more cautious than most about the pandemic, it remains to be seen how they will proceed. Santa Clara County’s shelter-in-place order was extended until the end of May, so it will be interesting to see if the Niners will have an exception to begin reopening.

How optimistic are you that the regular season will start in September?