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As we continue to wait to learn the future of the 2020-21 NFL season, the NFL Players Association released some less than positive news. According to the union’s website, a total of 72 players have tested positive for COVID-19 as of July 10.
The league did not announce how many players were tested, so the positivity rate is unclear.
However, the large number leads to additional concerns as teams prepare to begin training camp later this month. When training camps kickoff, the success of coronavirus safety protocol will play the biggest factor in whether the season is to start on time.
Along with the data, the NFLPA again recommended that players avoid private workouts with each other — especially in states where cases are spiking.
“Please be advised that it is our consensus medical opinion that in light of the increase in Covid-19 cases in certain states that no players should be engaged in practicing together in private workouts,” the union said.
“Our goal is to have all players and your families as healthy as possible in the coming months. We are working on the best mitigation procedures at team facilities for both training camps and the upcoming season, and believe that it is in the best interest of all players that we advise against any voluntary joint practices before training camp commences.”
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The coronavirus outbreak has led to the cancellation or postponing of many large events including the NCAA Tournament, Coachella, SXSW, the Winter X Games, Stagecoach, Ultra Music Festival in Miami, and more. The NBA, NHL, and MLS temporarily suspended their seasons.
The coronavirus mainly comes from animals and a majority of those who were infected early either worked at or frequently visited the Huanan seafood wholesale market in Wuhan, according to The Guardian. The virus is similar to Severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (Mers).
The Wuhan coronavirus is transmitted from person to person through “droplet transmission.” That means an infected person can pass the virus by sneezing or coughing on another person as well as by direct contact.
While a majority of the cases have been detected in the United States and China — with more than 134,000 deaths in the United States — it has now reached many countries around the world. It has also been confirmed in Italy, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and many other eastern countries.
