The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to updated COVID-19 protocols for training camp and preseason, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Here’s a look at some of the changes for players who are and aren’t vaccinated:
Fully vaccinated:
- No daily testing required
- Masks not required at club facility or during team travel
- No physical distancing required in the club facility with other vaccinated individuals
- No quarantine required after high-risk exposure to COVID
- No travel restrictions
- No capacity limits in the weight room when all fully vaccinated
- May eat in the cafeteria with other fully vaccinated individuals
- No restrictions on social/media/marketing/sponsorship opportunities
- May use sauna/steam room
- May interact with vaccinated family/friends during team travel
Not fully vaccinated:
- Testing required every day
- Masks required at club facility and during travel
- Must remain physically distant from others in club facility
- Must quarantine after high-risk exposure to COVID
- Travel restrictions in effect
- A 15-player limit in the weight room
- Players must be physically distanced in the meal room; may not eat with teammates
- Staff must grab-and-go; no meals in the cafeteria
- No social/media/marketing/sponsorship activities permitted
- May not use sauna/steam room
- May not leave team hotel to eat in restaurants; may not interact with anyone outside of the team traveling party during team travel
The last bullet point for players who aren’t vaccinated is the big one. Mike McGlinchey spoke to KNBR’s Jake Hutchinson about how tough it was not to be able to leave your hotel room when the 49ers spent time in Arizona last season.
Pelissero added that players who aren’t fully vaccinated would be banned from nightclubs, bars, house parties, concerts, etc. If those rules are violated, a team can fine players up to $50,000 for a first offense, and that number grows thereafter.
This is the NFL telling players, “hey, get vaccinated. If not, you have to find your way to the game. And don’t even think about interacting with your teammates.” The message is clear to the players: get vaccinated.
Per the memo: “Fans will be permitted to attend Training Camp, provided that they are more than 20 feet away from Tier 1 staff, including players, at all times, and adhere to physical distancing requirements. Fans will not be permitted to interact with players at any time.”
So, if you were wondering if you could attend the 49ers training camp, the answer is yes.