The National Football League (NFL) has instructed each team to adopt the new set of safety regulations designed to reduce the risk of spreading the infectious and deadly COVID-19.  

NFL
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Cam Akers #23 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates with head coach Sean McVay after a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Just like any sports event and leagues around the globe, the health of the players, coaches, staff, and other essential personnel is always the topmost priority amid the pandemic. There are different measures implemented to ensure that everyone is safe before, during, and after the event.

The NFL released new COVID-19 protocols that expanded the use of facemasks. The new memo was addressed and released to all head coaches, general managers, team presidents, chief infection control officers, team doctors, and head athletic trainers, according to a published article in the Houston Chronicle.

The memo stated that players must wear face coverings on the sideline if they are not wearing a helmet or entering a game, beginning with games played this Thursday. Those who will not follow the said protocol will undergo disciplinary action. 

Read also: NFL Will Continue as Planned, 2020 Schedule to Be Released This Week 

"Players who fail to wear masks on the sidelines will be subject to discipline. Clubs are required to enforce these rules," said NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

"Violations by players and/or staff will result in accountability measures being imposed upon the Club," he added. 

According to official statement of the NFL, the COVID-19 protocols released on Monday is due to the swelling number of COVID-19 cases in the country. The NFL is taking another step to stop the spread of the virus and not to alter the 2020 season. 

The following are the recent changes in the NFL's COVID-19 protocols: 

  • Beginning Week 12, the maximum number of players able to travel to road games will be reduced to 62. To ensure equity, teams must submit a list of players designated as eligible to attend and/or play by 4 p.m. ET the day before game day to the league office. 
  • Play-callers will not be required to wear a face mask or double-layered gaiter in addition to a face shield to be consistent with all other coaches who choose to wear face shields.
  • Postgame interactions between players and/or staff will be limited. 
  • Starting Nov. 30, access to club facilities will be limited to those designated as "Essential Football, Essential Support or Other Medical/Special Services." All others must now work remotely or in a separate facility.
  • Beginning with Week 13 games, all team members' traveling parties must wear N95 or KN95 masks on the team plane and the team bus.

The NFL also made it clear in the memo that players and team personnel are required to wear masks and can briefly exchange greetings with the opposing team before returning to their locker rooms. That means that interactions after the game will be limited. 

There is also a part in the memo which stated that "it is strongly recommended that each Club designate one or two individuals in the bench area to ensure compliance with these rules." This is to ensure that all COVID-19 protocols would be strictly observed and followed.