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(Reuters) - The
Chicago Bears and Houston Texans have closed their facilities
after players tested positive for COVID-19, the two National
Football League teams said on Thursday.
Chicago, already in the NFL's "intensive protocol" after
offensive lineman Jason Spriggs tested positive earlier in the
week, said they were notified on Thursday morning of another
positive test involving a player.
"As a result, the club has decided to pause all in-person
football activities and close Halas Hall," the Bears, who are
scheduled to play at the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, said in a
statement.
"Today's practice has been canceled and all meetings will be
conducted virtually. The player who tested positive and all
close contacts have been contacted and have already begun
self-isolation."
The Bears also said it is unclear how the latest positive test
may affect their Week 9 game.
COVID-19 outbreaks have impacted several clubs across the
32-team NFL and forced the league to reschedule a handful of
games.
The Texans, who are due to play at the Jacksonville Jaguars on
Sunday, said they were informed of the positive test on
Wednesday evening and that the unnamed individual immediately
self-isolated.
"In consultation with the NFL and medical experts, we have made
the decision to close the facility and conduct all operations
virtually today," the Texans said in a statement.
"The player immediately self-isolated and contact tracing has
begun. We will follow the NFL's intensive protocols and guidance
regarding the team's operations. The health and safety of our
team, as well as our entire staff, are of highest priority."
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto,; Editing by Toby Davis
and Ed Osmond)
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