NFL players to receive virus tests daily over first 2 weeks of camp

The NFL will administer COVID-19 tests to players daily throughout the first two weeks of training camp and adjust as necessary after that, chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said Monday, according to NFL Network's Judy Battista.

Tests will be reduced to every other day if they come back positive less than 5% of the time. Coaches and staff in close contact with players will be included in the results. Players will be tested on the first and fourth days of camp and receive two days of remote education in between before everyday testing goes into effect, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Players won't be allowed into team facilities until they produce multiple negative tests.

The NFL Players Association secured high-frequency testing from the NFL after several players voiced concerns about safety protocols ahead of training camp.

"Our union has been pushing for the strongest testing, tracing, and treatment protocols to keep our players safe," the NFLPA said in a statement. "The testing protocols we agreed to are one critical factor that will help us return to work safely and gives us the best chance to play and finish the season."

The league and union were also negotiating injured reserve rules for infected players and other issues, all while a potentially unprecedented season awaits. The NFL had an owners meeting Monday afternoon to go over the material.

"Getting closer on most if not all issues," a league source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

NFL training camps are scheduled to get underway in approximately one week, with most teams opening their doors to veterans July 28.

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