All NFL teams ordered into intensive protocols starting Saturday

The NFL sent a memo Wednesday stating that all 32 teams must go into intensive protocols for the rest of the season beginning Saturday, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Under intensive protocols, all meetings will be held virtually or in large spaces, while masks and/or mouth shields are mandatory during on-field practices.

“As we continue through the season, it will likely be necessary to take further steps to address broader conditions,” commissioner Roger Goodell said in the memo, per Pelissero.

Previously, intensive protocols were only designated for organizations that had a positive COVID-19 test or recently played against a team with one. The league noted that 28 clubs have used intensive protocols at least once during the campaign, with 16 having done so multiple times.

The NFL’s reasons for imposing harsher rules include the rise of coronavirus cases in communities around the United States and a review of contact tracing data that determined teams in intensive protocols yield a 50% reduction in the number of close contacts.

The league’s ultimate goal is to reduce the number of close contacts and further mitigate the risks of spreading COVID-19.

Last week, NFL owners unanimously approved a proposal to add one playoff team to each conference if meaningful regular-season games are canceled due to the virus.