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UPDATED: The league has cleared the Bears to reopen Halas Hall and they have announced that they’ll hold practice today at 2:30.
After receiving word that a player tested positive for COVID-19, the Chicago Bears have shut down Halas Hall and will conduct all meetings virtually. Here’s the statement from the Bears:
“This morning we were notified that we had a positive COVID-19 test. As a result, the club has elected to pause all in-person football activities today and close Halas Hall. Instead, all meetings will be conducted virtually. The individual who tested positive has been contacted and has already begun self-isolation. We are working with the NFL medical experts to identify close contacts and follow the league’s guidance. The health and safety of our team, players and staff are the highest priority.”
Earlier this week the Bears had three practice squad players go on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, Thomas Ives, LaCale London, and Manti Te’o, and if there are any new developments we’ll be sure to pass it along.
This is the second time this season the Bears have had to shut things down, with the first incident coming on November 5, but then after the league’s contact tracing the team was able to practice the next day.
Head coach Matt Nagy confirmed that the team will hold all meetings virtually today, but that if things go well they could have a walk-through tonight.
He also said that he hasn’t received any word about Sunday’s gams against the Houston Texans being postponed.
Here’s more from Nagy.
This is from Bears coach Matt Nagy today, about how he has learned to manage the anxieties that come with still trying to run a team during a COVID-19 outbreak. pic.twitter.com/i2mnw3ZVna
— Colleen Kane (@ChiTribKane) December 10, 2020