Bears players will receive daily COVID-19 tests for first 2 weeks of camp

With Chicago Bears rookies set to report to training camp on Tuesday, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to COVID-19 testing protocols. Safety was an issue that was on the forefront Sunday as many NFL players, including Khalil Mack, took to social media to share their concerns for a safe return.

Now, the NFL has established some safety protocols ahead of the start of training camp that the NFLPA has agreed upon. There will be daily COVID-19 testing for the first two weeks of camp with an emphasis on positivity rates at the two-week mark. If the positivity rate drops below 5%, testing will move to every other day.

Players will also need to have more than one negative test before being allowed to enter team facilities.

Players will need multiple negative tests before they’re allowed to be in the building for physicals or team activities. That’s a lesson the NFL has taken from other pro leagues: Take it slow. NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills says test results expected within 24 hours.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2020

Here’s what the NFLPA had to say about the COVID-19 testing procedures, via NFL.com:

“Our union has been pushing for the strongest testing, tracing and treatment protocols to keep our players safe. The testing protocols we agreed to are one critical factor that will help us return to work safely and gives us the best chance to play and finish the season.”

With players traveling from their homes to team facilities over the next week, there’s a belief there could be numerous positive tests. But there’s been some assurance from league doctors that the positivity rate should drop as players get into protocols and are being tested.

Bears rookies will report to Halas Hall on Tuesday, followed by quarterbacks and injured players on Thursday. The Bears will report in full on Tuesday, July 28.