The NFL sent a memo to teams on Tuesday alerting them to stepped-up precautions against COVID-19, including on face masks and social distancing, the NFL Network first reported.
The big picture: As coronavirus cases surge across the U.S., the Baltimore Ravens placed seven defensive players on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday following cornerback Marlon Humphrey's positive test. Under the new protocols, the NFL will require masks be worn during physical interactions postgame and is advising teams to ask players to wear face coverings on the sidelines and in locker rooms.
Here’s today’s NFL memo, which makes clear: “Wearing a mask ... may be the difference between an individual being designated a ‘High Risk Close Contact’ or not.”
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 3, 2020
One team — presumably the #Ravens — had six high risk close contacts with one player who tested positive. pic.twitter.com/L76hftg731
Go deeper: Most NFL games had fans this week
