NFL amps up memo; asks players to wear mask on sideline and in the locker room

The NFL updated its COVID-19 protocol in a memo on November 3 following positive COVID-19 test.

Here’s today’s NFL memo, which makes clear: “Wearing a mask … may be the difference between an individual being designated a ‘High Risk Close Contact’ or not.”

One team — presumably the #Ravens — had six high risk close contacts with one player who tested positive. pic.twitter.com/L76hftg731

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 3, 2020

The league suggests that all players and personnel wear mask or gaiters on the sideline when they’re not actively participating in a game. Also, players and personnel are required to wear face masks in the locker room before, during and after the game.

Players and coaches will be removed from the play or sideline if they test positive during a game, according to the NFL.

Home teams are required to provide at least 250 disposable surgical masks.

“What we are trying to convey is masks can prevent you from becoming a high-risk contact, which is our goal, so it’s in everybody’s best interest to wear a mask for their protection and again to reduce exposure. We believe that the mask use whether it’s in the locker room, on the sideline, it just reduces your chance of becoming a high-risk contact should someone turn positive.”

NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills said on a conference call.

Multiple teams are dealing with positive COVID-19 test.

Baltimore Ravens, CB Marlon Humphrey, test positive on Nov.1; seven players from the team are on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The seven #Ravens placed on Reserve/COVID-19 because of high-risk close contact are: LBs Matt Judon, Patrick Queen, Malik Harrison and L.J. Fort, G Tyre Phillips, DB DeShon Elliott and practice squad DB Terrell Bonds. https://t.co/Ac4eFtvfKd

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 3, 2020

Chicago Bears RG, Germain Ifedi and backup tackle Jason Spriggs, were placed on Reserve/COVID-19 list on Nov. 3

#Bears OT Jason Spriggs tested positive for COVID-19, source said. In addition, G Germain Ifedi was determined to be a high-risk close contact, and while he’ll go on the list, he does have a chance to be back and play on Sunday.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2020

Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford and LB Jarrad Davis was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

The #Lions have placed QB Matthew Stafford on the Reserve/COVID-19 list pic.twitter.com/rUQS6DDRSB

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 4, 2020

Green Bay Packers, RB AJ Dillon, test positive for COVID-19, RB Jamaal William and LB Kamal Martin were added to the list as close contacts.

The #Packers officially place LB Kamal Martin and RB Jamaal Williams on the COVID-19 reserve list becuase they are high-risk close contacts with AJ Dillon.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2020

49ers place LT Trent Williams and WR’s Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

#49ers LT Trent Williams and WRs Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel will be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list as close contacts, source says. They’re out for tomorrow vs #Packers.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 5, 2020

The NFL continues to express the importance of social distancing and face coverings.