Some insight into how Seahawks are handling training camp amidst a pandemic

This year’s Seahawks training camp is unlike any other due to COVID-19.

The Seahawks are taking the pandemic incredibly seriously. They have established an entire system to ensure players and coaches are safe when practicing, watching film, working out and training. The Seahawks have released a video overviewing safety precautions that have been implemented to help keep players and coaches safe during these uncertain times.

While there are certain aspects that have me concerned going into future seasons, the video the Seahawks released helped me feel a lot more confident about the upcoming NFL season. I hope it does for you as well.

The admission process to get into the Seahawks building.

First and foremost, the players and coaches have to answer screening questions. It could be anything from the food they ate, health questions, to where they have been since the last questionnaire.

Next, each employee is assigned tiers. Coaches and players are tier one. Supporting staff are tier two. All other miscellaneous staff are tiers 2-5.

Certain tiers are allowed in certain parts of the building, where others are not. Only tiers one and two are allowed to be in contact with the players. This is to ensure that there is no contact outside of what is absolutely essential.

The next step is the bracelet. Every employee is required to wear a special bracelet that pings when social distancing (6-feet apart) is breached. When someone gets within that minimum separation it alerts all participating individuals.

The next step is getting each employee’s temperature taken. This is done electronically and without any contact. Following this is the daily COVID-19 testing. After each of these has been passed, the employee/player is admitted entry into the facility.

Some other interesting rules that the Seahawks have been implemented.

• Only one person is allowed on an elevator at any given time.
• Rotate players in the weight room by position groups to ensure smaller gatherings.
• Players are encouraged to use face coverings at all times (including when working out).
• Everything is thoroughly sanitized between each use.
• The film/meeting room is about two-thirds blocked off. This was done to ensure social distancing (6-feet) occurs.
• The locker rooms have dividers between each player’s station.
• Players now pre-order food, as opposed to cafeteria-style eating. This minimizes gathering areas.

Overall, this video offered a really cool insight into how the Seahawks have adapted to this unusual season. This helped give me a lot more confidence in this season actually happening and being done safely.