NFL set to make changes to its COVID guidelines

There has been sweeping reform to COVID guidelines throughout most major sports leagues in America, and now the NFL is following suit. NFL reporter Tom Pelissero released this update, via Twitter, on the current circumstances surrounding the NFL and their COVID protocols.

“The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to modify COVID protocols in accordance with new CDC guidelines, cutting the standard isolation period after a positive test for asymptomatic individuals from 10 days to 5 days – regardless of vaccination status,” wrote Pelissero.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that these new rules apply to all COVID positive players who are asymptomatic, and that includes players that are unvaccinated, per his sources.

The CDC shortened the recommended time for COVID-19 isolation and quarantine in response to the new variant of the virus, the Omicron variant, which is believed to be more contagious than the other variants.

Major college football conference to make changes to their COVID guidelines

Shortly after the CDC announced their newest recommendations for quarantine procedures, the ACC updated their guidelines as well.

The new CDC guidelines were updated with new information from the Omicron variant of the virus. Their recommendation is now five days of isolation instead of the previous ten if asymptomatic, followed by five days of wearing a mask around others.

The ACC’s updated guidelines follow this as well in regards to asymptomatic individuals. The new policy does not change for unvaccinated individuals, as they are still required to isolate for ten days.

“A vaccinated individual who tests positive for COVID-19 may complete isolation when one of the following occurs, if permitted by local and state public health officials.

“Once asymptomatic, the individual has two negative tests (i.e., molecular PCR or antigen) from specimens that are collected at least 24 hours apart; or at least seven days have elapsed since the first positive test, the individual’s symptoms are improving, and the individual has one negative test (i.e., molecular PCR or antigen) within 24 hours of being cleared.

“Such an individual must be fever-free for at least 24 hours to be cleared under either of the above options.”

While it is unclear if the new guidelines will have any impact on the upcoming bowl games for ACC teams, the immediate impact will surely be felt in the college basketball world. The ACC’s guidelines will allow for a much quicker return to action for vaccinated individuals who are asymptomatic.