Having been closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Cleveland Browns will begin phase 1 of reopening their facility in Berea and FirstEnergy Stadium on Monday, June 1, the team announced on Friday.
In a statement, Browns Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer David Jenkins said that the facilities will reopen to a limited number of employees on Monday and that the team will continue to work with University Hospitals to develop safe practices for additional returns.
"Following the league's instruction that team facilities could reopen on May 19, pending government approval and adherence to NFL regulations, we targeted June 1 as the start date for Phase 1 of our employee return to Berea and FirstEnergy Stadium," Jenkins said.
"Since early March, we have worked closely with medical experts at University Hospitals to discuss COVID-19 and implement best practices and comprehensive hygiene protocols at both facilities that emphasize the health and well-being of our employees, their families and the entire community.
Jenkins added: "During the past two weeks, we thoroughly reviewed all of the parameters and recommendations in place to ensure the responsible and safe reopening of our facilities. As planned, they will reopen to a limited number of employees beginning on Monday.
"We are proud of our entire staff's collective efforts and productivity while working from home, and our return to the building marks an important step as we continue to diligently prepare for the 2020 season.
"In addition to adhering to all league and government guidelines, we will continue to evaluate COVID-19 developments with University Hospitals while creating safe environments for when additional Browns employees are permitted to return."