The NFL and other sports leagues are still working through plans to resume or begin their seasons, and the availability of coronavirus testing will be a big factor in determining when we will see live sports again in the United States. That does not mean a league is going to shut down the first time a player or team staffer tests positive, however.
Dr. Allen Sills, NFL’s chief medical officer, discussed the league’s reopening plan with reporters on Tuesday. One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation was when Sills said he and NFL executives “fully well expect” positive tests once teams resume practicing and playing games. The key, Sills says, is being able to quickly identify those who are infected.
More from Dr. Sills: "We fully well expect we will have positive cases that arise. … Our challenge is to identify them as quickly as possible and prevent them from spreads to any other participants."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 19, 2020
Sills added that no date has been set for the reopening of team facilities, but experts are keeping a close eye on data to determine the best course of action.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, won't put a date on when players might return to buildings. When they and the NFLPA is satisfied the science supports it, they'll move forward. "We’re moving as fast as the data takes us."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 19, 2020
It would be unrealistic to think sports can resume if one positive coronavirus test would result in the season being postponed again. The entire sports world came to a screeching halt when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 back in March, but the nation as a whole was far less prepared to deal with the virus then. Preventing outbreaks and isolating those who test positive going forward will be the key to sports returning without further interruption.
