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The Packers — and the rest of the NFL — are headed into the league’s intensive protocol as COVID-19 cases spike nationwide. In Wisconsin, nearly 5,000 people tested positive on Tuesday alone according to the state’s preliminary data.
The NFL sent a memo to all 32 NFL teams on Wednesday afternoon informing them of the change, which will last for the remainder of the regular season and the playoffs. From a practical standpoint, this change means all team meetings will take place virtually and masks must be worn at all times, including during practice. Restrictions include mandatory grab-and-go meal service at team facilities to prevent congregating, in addition to locker room use being “strongly discouraged” on non-game days.
The Packers should be somewhat used to the intensive protocol by now, as much as any team can be. They only recently were allowed out after A.J. Dillon’s positive test two weeks ago. Dillon and Krys Barnes remain on the COVID-19 reserve list.