If everything goes to plan, we'll have professional football in 2020. Of course, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, nothing is certain. However, the NFL league office seems confident in the league's ability to continue on schedule.
All NFL club facilities have been shut down since March 25 in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, Commissioner Roger Goodell sent out a memo on Wednesday detailing the league's protocol for opening those facilities back up.
“Clubs should take steps to have these protocols in place by Friday, May 15 in anticipation of being advised when club facilities will formally reopen,” Goodell said in the memo per Grant Gordon of NFL.com.
Shutting down team facilities isn't the only measure that the NFL has taken during the pandemic. In late April, the league held its annual draft from several remote locations, with prospects using video conferences rather than being there in person as usual.
More importantly, the memo states that no team can re-open their facilities unless every team is eligible, which is likely based on the rules of local government.
Among the protocols outlined in the memo are wearing a cloth face covering or medical-style mask, and daily screening of employees and visitors who must have their temperature taken and answer questions.
Also in the memo, Goodell discouraged public comments from club officials concerning hypotheticals with regards to the 2020 season.
While the future of the 2020 NFL campaign is obviously unknown, Wednesday's memo is a positive sign that the league is taking necessary safety precautions in order to get the season rolling whenever possible.
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