As sports slowly come back to life, everyone is asking the same questions:
"Will this be sustainable?"
"Will the coronavirus impact the way the game is played?"
"What if players test positive?"
That last question is the million dollar question for the NHL, NBA, Major League Baseball and the NFL as they prepare to get their players back in some capacity in the months of July and August.
Injuries and overall health are always talking points within each season, regardless of sport, but the COVID-19 pandemic certainly adds a different wrinkle to this discussion. Just this week Pirates' Josh Bell spoke to reporters about how the team who wins the World Series in MLB's 60-game season could very well be the team who is able to stay healthy.
"It’s a scenario where the healthiest team is probably going to win this year." Bell said. "The team that has the least amount of guys going down, needing to take a 10-day quarantine, is going to have their premier players on the field every night. That’s the most important thing. That’s what we’re going to fight for. That’s what we’re going to talk about day in, day out. If we can stay healthy, we have a real, real shot at this thing, and I’m definitely excited to fight for that opportunity every day."
Staying healthy takes on a different meaning in 2020, and as it pertains to the NFL they have set forth their protocol for teams reporting to training camps, and a potential preseason. This per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network:
The NFL last night sent to clubs COVID-19 protocols for 2020 training camp and preseason, including this detailed breakdown for handling individuals exposed to someone who tested positive: pic.twitter.com/bX7aQzMZTZ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 4, 2020
This flow chart might seem to be overwhelming at first glance, but when you look at it closely it provides flexibility for any player who tests positive but isn't showing any symptoms. What kind of flexibility are we talking? Let's break down the chart.
If a player is in close contact with someone who tests positive they would be tested as soon as possible. If the test is negative teams have to monitor the player to see if symptoms start for eight days and the individual has increased testing during that time frame.
However, those who test negative aren't the ultimate concern for teams and leagues. The concern are the players who test positive. The protocol breaks down positive tests into two categories: symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.
If symptoms are being displayed, a ten day quarantine is necessary before they are permitted to even start the consideration of returning to the team. After 72 hours with no symptoms the individual can be allowed back with the team and in the facility.
Where is the flexibility in all of this? That would be for someone who tests positive, but is considered asymptomatic. No fever, no sore throat, no chills, no difficulty breathing. Nothing. They feel fine, but have tested for carrying the virus.
If asymptomatic, there are options. Stay away for ten days after the initial test then return. Or after five days of the positive test, if you have two consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart you will be permitted to return. If this takes place you are permitted back in the facility following guidance from the medical staff.
If a player is an asymptomatic positive case on Monday, teams could try to expedite the process and have that player available the next week. However, they will miss all physical repetitions during the week as they stay away from the facility and have to go through the protocol.
In other words, the league isn't treating all positive cases the same.
As other sports have returned, questions have certainly been brought to light regarding the validity of the tests. On the PGA Tour, golfer Cameron Champ tested positive for COVID-19, was told to quarantine and withdraw from the upcoming event. In the following 72 hours he had three consecutive negative tests.
“Subsequent to my positive test result for COVID-19, I am fortunate to say that I had three consecutive negative test results in the 72 hours which immediately followed,” Champ said in a statement released in a tweet. “I’ve felt great the whole time and experienced no symptoms. I am pleased to be on my way home in accordance with the CDC guidelines. I would like to thank my team, all the medical advisers and everyone at the Travelers Championship, as well as the player relations team at the PGA Tour, for their advice, care and attention during this process. A special thanks goes out to my fiancée, our family, my partners and all of you out there for the outpouring of love and support that I’ve received this week. Stay safe and see you soon!”
Situations like this make you realize this situation is far from set in stone. As we all learn more about the virus, and testing protocols, things can change. The above protocol released from the NFL is for training camp and the preseason, it will be interesting to see if things are adjusted prior to the regular season taking place.
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