Goodell tells NFL teams to close facilities until at least April 8

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell informed teams in a memo Tuesday that all facilities must close by 6 p.m. Wednesday in a response to the coronavirus pandemic, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Exceptions will be made for essential employees such as physicians who are treating players, and the league will reassess its stance on April 8 with the help of experts.

Some NFL teams already had closed facilities; others had very limited personnel in the building. Now, a level playing field amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The memo says teams may continue to conduct all normal business, including signing players.

- Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 25, 2020

"The challenges we face are not unique - many businesses and individuals throughout the country are experiencing and addressing similar issues," Goodell wrote. "Please be assured that the NFL is well-position to meet these operational challenges as we prepare to offer our fans and the country an outstanding 2020 NFL season."

Goodell added that teams are allowed to continue with standard business operations such as signing players, evaluating draft prospects, and selling tickets.

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