NFL teams now face package deals and fines for unvaxed COVID outbreaks

With vaccines readily available in the United States, the National Football League is quelling any outbreak of COVID-19 caused by unvaccinated players. Under the new rules announced Thursday, teams facing a COVID outbreak will be forced to forgo all games that cannot be rescheduled during the 18-week season. “For the purposes of the playoff standings, the losing team will be credited with a loss and the other team will be credited with a victory,” read a note sent by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Teams responsible for canceled matches could also face financial penalties as well as additional penalties if the outbreak is found to have been caused by “club staff’s failure to follow applicable protocols.” The memo doesn’t make it clear that vaccines are a requirement for playing during the season, but is all in their favor. “We know that vaccines are safe and effective and that they are the best step one can take to protect against the coronavirus,” the memo reads.