As they take the field for training camp in the weeks ahead, Cleveland Browns players will be wearing a new accessory.
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In order to help combat a potential spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Browns players will be wearing contact tracing bracelets while at the team facility throughout training camp, the team's physician, Dr. James Voos, revealed on Tuesday.
"This is where the Cleveland Browns have invested heavily in the safety of their players," Voos said. "Using this wearable technology to allow us within the building to know who a player [who tested positive] may have had contact with so that we can further that continued evaluation."
If a player tests positive, Voos said he will be quarantined and monitored until he passes the proper protocol to return. Additionally, the use of the bracelets could allow them to know what other players may need to potentially be quarantined based on the length of contact with the individual.
Players are not required to wear the contact tracing bracelets away from the team facility, due to the agreed-upon protocols between the NFL and NFLPA.
In addition to the bracelets, the Browns have divided their locker room, with half of the team now dressing in the team's weight room (the weight room has since been moved to the team's fieldhouse). Those lockers have also been spaced out and divided with plexiglass, with daily screenings and the use of masks all being a part of the team's new normal.
The training camp schedule also looks different this summer with the elimination of all of the NFL's preseason games. Most notably, players won't be permitted to take part in team activities until they pass three coronavirus tests.
The NFL's full training camp schedule can be found below:
- July 28-31: COVID-19 testing and virtual meetings
- August 1-2: Physicals and equipment distribution
- August 3-11: Acclimation period
- August 12-16: Gradual ramp-up period
- August 17-September 6: Contact integration period (practice)