The PGA Tour strongly encourages its players and caddies to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and has sent out a note Monday explaining how it will end up stopping on-site testing while trying to discredit some of the myths associated with shooting.
In the note obtained by ESPN, the tour said that while it will not require vaccination, those who do not receive the vaccines will still be required to have weekly COVID-19 testing within 72 hours of arrival in situ and at his expense. . Those who test positive for COVID-19 must withdraw and undergo contact tracking and quarantine procedures.
A set of discussion points was included to assure players that vaccines are safe.
Among the highlights:
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“The COVID 19 vaccine has been administered to more than 700 million people worldwide. There have been very few significant side effects. Once the use of the vaccine has been authorized, monitoring continues with existing systems. to track problems or side effects that were not detected in clinical trials. ”
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“There are misconceptions and frequent concerns about infertility, DNA alteration, microchipping, COVID infection as a result of the COVID 19 vaccine. These misconceptions and concerns are false.”
Clearly there have been some setbacks on the part of the players about vaccination. The tour began a weekly rehearsal program last June, when it played again after a 13-week break due to the pandemic.
Players and caddies must be tested on site each week, with some modifications made along the way. Those who do not play a tournament must test at home before traveling and return to the finish line.
Overall, the system has worked well for the PGA Tour, which has reported less than 30 positive COVID on-site tests over the past ten months. The latest reported positive cases occurred in the Honda Classic last month.
“I’ve had over 60 tests, all negative,” said a veteran PGA Tour player who didn’t want to be identified. “My caddy and I have been through all the airports, public transport, so to speak, without getting COVID. But the tour will hurt us if we don’t do it. They don’t force you, but it will be a pain if you don’t ”.
The player said he would be more receptive to getting a shot if it is the Johnson & Johnson version, which has been suspended by the Centers for Disease Control. The vaccine only requires one shot and some players are wary of the possible side effects associated with two doses and how this may affect their game schedule.
The tour said it will consider anyone fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the two-shot shots (Pfizer and Moderna), as well as the one-shot Johnson & Johnson shots. For players residing in countries where the AstraZeneca vaccine is allowed, it will also be accepted.
According to the note, the visit has a system by which the verification can be uploaded to a health account.
The tour said on-site testing will cease in late June, meaning the Travelers Championship (June 24-27) or the Rocket Mortgage Classic (July 1-4) are likely to be the point. starting point of the new program.
While facial coverage will still be needed at indoor tour events, the visit said in the note that “according to CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated people can gather in small groups without facial coverage.”