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Implementation and Evolution of Mitigation Measures, Testing, and Contact Tracing in the National Football League, August 9–November 21, 2020
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January 25, 2021
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Source: MMWR: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2021; v. 70 Early Release
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Description:What is already known about this topic? COVID-19 contact tracing is important to prevent Transmission, but risk characterization is difficult.
What is added by this report? The National Football League observed SARS-CoV-2 Transmission after <15 minutes of cumulative interaction, leading to a revised definition of a high-risk contact that evaluated mask use and ventilation in addition to duration and proximity of interaction. Intensive mitigation protocols effectively reduced close interactions.
What are the implications for public health practice? Assessment of the context of each interaction, including mask use, indoor versus outdoor setting, and ventilation, in addition to duration and proximity, can improve identification of high-risk contacts during contact tracing. Postexposure quarantine based on redefined high-risk criteria, combined with tTesting and environment-specific intensive protocols, can protect communities before and after case identification.
The National Football League (NFL) and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) began the 2020 football season in July, implementing extensive mitigation and Surveillance measures in facilities and during travel and gameplay. Mitigation protocols* were evaluated and modified based on data from routine reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for SARS-CoV-2, the Virus that causes coronaVirus 2019 (COVID-19); proximity tracking devices; and detailed interviews. Midseason, Transmission was observed in persons who had cumulative interactions of <15 minutes’ duration, leading to a revised definition of high-risk contacts that required consideration of mask use, setting and room ventilation in addition to proximity and duration of interaction. The NFL also developed an intensive protocol that imposed stricter infection Prevention precautions when a case was identified at an NFL club. The intensive protocol effectively prevented the occurrence of high-risk interactions, with no high-risk contacts identified for 71% of traced cases at clubs under the intensive protocol. The incorporation of the nature and location of the interaction, including mask use, indoor versus outdoor setting, and ventilation, in addition to proximity and duration, likely improved identification of exposed persons at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Quarantine of these persons, along with tTesting and intensive protocols, can reduce spread of infection.
Suggested citation for this article: Mack CD, Wasserman EB, Perrine CG, et al. Implementation and Evolution of Mitigation Measures, Testing, and Contact Tracing in the National Football League, August 9–November 21, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. ePub: 25 January 2021.
mm7004e2.htm?s_cid=mm7004e2_w
mm7004e2-H.pdf
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ISSN:0149-2195 (print);1545-861X (digital);
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Pages in Document:6 pdf pages
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Volume:70
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[PDF-150.05 KB]
Supporting Files
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