Eight members of the Tennessee Titans team and staff have tested positive for the coronavirus, forcing the Titans and the Minnesota Vikings–their opponents last Sunday–to suspend all operations in the first outbreak of the NFL season, ESPN reports.
While the NHL, NBA and Major League Baseball contained their players in isolation during their league play, the NFL largely allowed players to live in their homes and with their families.
Three players and five staff members of the Titans tested positive for the coronavirus. They played the Vikings on Sunday, with the Titans winning 31-30.
The shutdowns of both teams’ facilities mean there will be no in-person meetings, practices or training, and normal businesses operations will be suspended.
During a typical NFL game, there are about 70 players, 15 coaches and dozens of staff for each team on the sidelines, along with referees and other NFL officials on the field. It is not reported if other individuals, including stadium staff and broadcasters, are being assumed to have been exposed.
Early in the MLB season, 41 games were suspended for coronavirus concerns after players tested positive on various teams. Because the NHL and NBA operated in “bubbles” with limited contact with people outside those playing or working games, no games were impacted by the coronavirus.