NFL Implements New COVID-19 Protocols For Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is coming up on Nov. 25, which means COVID-19 will inevitably run rampant through large family gatherings.

At least, that's what the NFL believes. Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the NFL is implementing heightened COVID-19 protocols around Thanksgiving. The protocols include mandatory masking and testing of all players and staff twice a day after Thanksgiving. The NFL is encouraging teams to test players and staff visiting friends and family for the holiday.

In addition, teams will be required to have video camera surveillance of their weight room and cafeteria areas. The new mandate will run from Nov. 25-Dec. 1.

The normal COVID-19 protocols for the NFL are different for vaccinated and unvaccinated players. Vaccinated players are only subject to testing once a week. If positive, they would need two negative tests within a 24-hour period to return.

Unvaccinated players must test daily before entering the building. If positive, they must isolate for at least 10 days before returning to the team. Unvaccinated players must mask up at all times in the team facility and are under strict restrictions when on the road.

Of course, most of these protocols are not rooted in any science. As Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show after he tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago, the protocols are designed to shame the unvaccinated.

Last season, the NFL put all teams into intensive protocols at the end of the season to ensure they could finish the season on time. No games have been rescheduled due to COVID-19 in the 2021 season.