The Washington Football Team announced in a press release that an unnamed player tested positive for the coronavirus Monday, November 16.
The player immediately self-isolated and the club has started conducting contact tracing, according to Tuesday’s statement which added that everyone who was in close contact with the infected player have been asked to quarantine.
The team entered the NFL’s intensive protocol in the wake of the news. All meetings this week will take place online and the Inova Sports Performance Center will only be open to staff with limited access granted to the players.
Statement from the Washington Football Team: pic.twitter.com/LT48g5XJUN
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) November 17, 2020
“We will continue to work closely with the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer and follow the league’s guidance. The health and safety of our players, coaches and staff is our number one priority,” the team said.
The player that tested positive reportedly did not travel with Washington for its game against the Detroit Lions last weekend.
In another announcement on Monday, Washington said no fans would be permitted to attend Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to the rise in COVID-19 cases around the country. Over 3,000 fans attended the previous home game on November 8.
A total of 17 new cases were recorded among players and 35 among staff between November 8 and 14, according to NFL, which brings the total to 95 players and 175 other personnel since August 1.