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NFL teams to create personnel tiers to limit COVID-19 spread in camps

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The NFL is directing all teams to develop an Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plan to contain the spread of the coronavirus during training camps, according to a memo obtained by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Each organization will divide its staff into three tiers, which are designed to limit access to restricted areas such as the practice fields, lockers, and training rooms to essential personnel only.

  • Tier 1 will consist of players, coaches, trainers, doctors, and any other necessary personnel who must have direct access to players.
  • Tier 2 will consist of general managers, football operations staff, assistant coaches not listed in Tier 1, video personnel, security, and other employees who may need to be in close proximity to players.
  • Tier 3 will consist of certain operational staff, in-house media, field managers, transportation providers, and employees who perform facility or event services but do not require close contact with Tier 1 individuals.

There will be limits on the number of personnel from each club who can be assigned to the first two tiers, as only staff in those tiers will be permitted access to restricted areas. Different entrances for each tier must also be determined, and those with access to restricted areas must undergo daily testing.

Teams have already had "heated" discussions to determine which staff members end up in each tier, sources told Schefter.

Most squads were scheduled to begin training camp on July 28, though the league has yet to confirm any official dates as it finalizes plans to return amid the pandemic. Camps must be held only at main practice facilities, and joint practices won't be permitted.

All 32 organizations must submit their IDER to the league office seven days before the first mandatory reporting date for players. The plans will be subject to review and approval by the NFL, NFLPA, and the Infection Control for Sports.

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