Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 26, 2021

Implementation and Evolution of Mitigation Measures, Testing, and Contact Tracing in the National Football League, August 9–November 21, 2020

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Investigation of a cluster of 41 SARS-CoV-2 infections that occurred within the National Football League in late September 2020 identified at least 7 cases of infection where transmission likely occurred during <15 minutes of cumulative interaction within 6 feet of an infected individual, as confirmed by wearable tracking devices. Interviews revealed that some of these brief interactions included high-risk behavior, such as unmasked meetings in small rooms while eating. These findings led to a revised high-risk contact definition that included ascertainment of mask use and setting in addition to duration of exposure and proximity as well as implementation of stricter protocols. 

Mack et al. (Jan 25, 2021). Implementation and Evolution of Mitigation Measures, Testing, and Contact Tracing in the National Football League, August 9–November 21, 2020. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7004e2