NFL details enhanced post-exposure virus protocols including mandatory PPE

The NFL's chief medical officer announced strict new post-exposure COVID-19 procedures to league personnel on Thursday.

In a memo issued by Dr. Allen Sills, he stressed it is mandatory for any team that has been exposed to COVID-19 to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and face masks on practice fields at all times, with no exceptions.

All players are to wear gloves on their hands while on the field. The only exceptions for gloves are quarterbacks' throwing hands. Players may affix face shields to their helmets.

Teams dealing with outbreaks must also conduct daily testing, including on game days. Additionally, players are not allowed to gather when away from team facilities, meetings are to be conducted virtually, and team activities must be held outdoors whenever possible.

The Tennessee Titans are dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak and the league will enforce these procedures when they return to the practice field. The Minnesota Vikings faced the Titans on Sunday and are currently following the enhanced measures, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Eleven members of the Titans organization have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, including one player and one other individual who tested positive Thursday. The NFL has postponed Tennessee's Week 4 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers until later in the season.

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