NFL halts daily COVID-19 testing for unvaccinated players, memo says

7:44 PM

The daily testing of unvaccinated players has been stopped by the NFL and the Players Association.

The league said in a memo that it would add unvaccinated players to its screening and testing programs. People who report symptoms will be tested.

The most recent COVID-19 data release shows that 98% of players and staff are vaccine free. A small group of people will be affected by the change.

There are roughly 12 unvaccinated players left in the playoffs, according to a source. One of them is Green Bay Packers quarterback Rodgers, who was granted a 90-day exemption after a positive test.

The memo states that the approach to testing reflects the recent experience with the omicron variant and that it offers the best opportunity for identifying and treating cases promptly and avoiding spread within the facility.

The spike in the league's popularity began in December. Between December 12 and January 8 there were 757 players and 478 staff members who tested positive. According to the league, a majority of them were not active.

The two-week testing period from September 5 to December 11 averaged 19,253 tests. Between December 26 and January 8 there were over 12,000 tests administered.