Conversation

1) I think the NFL is probably making the right decision here, but its explanation probably isn't their real motivation:

nfl.com

NFL sends memo to remaining playoff teams regarding updated COVID testing cadence

In preparation for this weekend's Divisional Round matchups, the NFL has issued a statement to the remaining eight postseason teams regarding the updated cadence for COVID-19 testing.

5:34 AM · Jan 22, 2022Twitter Web App

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2) The update: "neither vaccinated nor unvaccinated players will be subjected to daily testing moving forward... All players and tiered staff will now be subjected to enhanced symptom screening, symptom-based testing and targeted surveillance testing"

SBF

@SBF_FTX

Jan 22

3) And their explanation: "a decrease in positive cases" during Omicron. So, because there are fewer cases, the NFL is screening based on symptoms rather than tests? If there are fewer cases you could still test people; there would just be fewer positives.

SBF

@SBF_FTX

Jan 22

4) Instead, there's an obvious reason to make this change: a) Omicron infects a lot of people b) Omicron seems less severe c) it's the playoffs Omicron means a *ton* of asymptomatic cases, and the NFL really doesn't want stars to sit out the superbowl.

SBF

@SBF_FTX

Jan 22

5) So, instead of testing those starts and finding some asymptomatic cases... They're just not testing them, as long as they don't have symptoms. This doesn't have to do with the rate of cases, or convenience. It's deciding *not* to ban asymptomatic players.