The PGA Tour is strongly encouraging its players and caddies to get their hands on COVID-19 vaccines, by sending a memo Monday outlining how it will eventually stop testing on site, while also trying some of the myths attached to the shots. are connected.
In the memo obtained by ESPN, the tour said that while vaccination is not mandated, it requires those who don’t get the shots to be tested for COVID-19 each week within 72 hours of arriving on site and at their own expense. . Those who test positive for COVID-19 must withdraw and be subject to contact tracking and quarantine procedures.
Included was a series of talking points to assure players the vaccines are safe.
One of the highlights:
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“The COVID 19 vaccine has been administered to more than 700 million people around the world. Very few significant side effects have been reported. Once a vaccine is approved for use, monitoring continues with systems to detect problems or side effects that do not. have been detected in clinical trials. ”
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“There are common misconceptions and concerns about infertility, altering DNA, microchips, becoming infected with COVID as a result of the COVID 19 vaccine. These misconceptions and concerns are false.”
There has clearly been some reluctance from players about getting the vaccines. The tour kicked off with a weekly test schedule last June when it returned to play after a 13-week hiatus due to the pandemic.
Players and caddies had to be tested on site every week, with some tweaks along the way. Those not playing a tournament should be tested at home before departure and upon arrival.
Overall, the system worked well for the PGA Tour, which reported fewer than 30 COVID-positive on-site tests in the past 10 months. The last reported positive cases occurred at the Honda Classic last month.
“I’ve had more than 60 tests, all negative,” said an experienced PGA Tour player who refused to be identified. My caddy and I have traveled every airport, public transportation, you name it, without getting COVID. But the tour will annoy us if we don’t take it. They don’t force you, but it will be annoying if you don’t is doing. ”
The player said he would be more receptive to a chance if it is the Johnson & Johnson version, which has been shelved by the Centers for Disease Control. The vaccine only requires one injection and some players are suspicious of the potential side effects of two doses and how that could affect their playing schedule.
The tour said everyone will be fully vaccinated 14 days after getting the two-shot vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) and the one-shot Johnson & Johnson. This is also accepted for players living in countries where the AstraZeneca vaccine is allowed.
According to the memo, the tour has a system that allows verification to be uploaded to a health account.
The tour said site testing will stop at the end of June, likely meaning the Travelers Championship (June 24-27) or the Rocket Mortgage Classic (July 1-4) will be the starting point for the new program.
While face coverings will still be required at indoor tour events, the tour said in the memo that “in accordance with CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated individuals can gather in small groups without a face cover.”