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Updated: The NFL has several COVID-19 changes in place for 2020

Trinidad & Tobago v Guatemala: Group C - 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images

The Chicago Bears still haven’t announced plans for fans during games at Soldier Field this season, but the Baltimore Ravens announced on July 8 that they’ll cap attendance at 14,000 for all their games at M&T Bank Stadium. The Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs had previously announced that they’ll also be limiting tickets, but they haven’t given a specific number yet. Earlier today the Jaguars announced that they’ll only fill approximately 25% of stadium seats in 2020.

At some point the NFL could mandate an attendance restriction, or they could leave it up to each individual franchise, but either way stadiums will be relatively empty in 2020.

The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport are reporting on several other changes that will take place this season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

  • No fans allowed at training camps.
  • Teams can have up to two fan events at stadiums this preseason with strict protocols if allowed.
  • Training camp schedules won’t be official until a decision is made on number of preseason games.
  • On-field fan seating at games is prohibited.
  • Both teams must travel to the stadium on buses.
  • Everyone on the sideline/bench area will be required to wear a mask except coaches and players.
  • Any fans allowed in the stadium will need to wear a face covering
  • Anyone with bench access will be screened before entering the stadium. Anyone who records a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees or may have been exposed “shall not be permitted to enter the Stadium on game day.”
  • Postgame interactions within 6 feet of each other is all that will be allowed.
  • No more jersey exchanges between players.
  • Media not allowed in the locker rooms.

Editor’s note: The COVID-19 pandemic is a subject that requires sensitivity and care. Many families and people have already been impacted by this crisis as it unfolds. This is a reminder to please express yourself respectfully while also exercising common courtesy in interactions with one another in the comments. All WCG commentary guidelines remain in effect and apply especially. Stay safe and healthy, everyone.