Protocols for positive/symptomatic cases

At the inception of the PGA TOUR Health and Safety Plan, the TOURā€™s policy for all positive test results for players and caddies required a minimum 10-day self-isolation period, based on the Centers for Disease Controlā€™s time-based protocols.

On July 1, the TOUR transitioned to aĀ test-based modelĀ forĀ asymptomaticĀ cases.Ā  Therefore, in accordance with CDC guidelines, a player or caddie who tests positive for COVID-19 but has not had any symptoms may return to competition if he returns two negative tests results, a minimum of 24 hours apart.Ā 

For clarity regarding players and caddies who tested positive for COVID-19 and wereĀ symptomaticĀ ā€“ in accordance with CDC ā€œReturn to Workā€ guidelines and in consultation with the PGA TOUR Medical Advisor and infectious disease experts ā€“ cases in which a player or caddie tested positive andĀ continues to test positive,Ā the TOUR follows aĀ symptom-based model, as outlined by the CDC, allowing for him to return to competition if:

  • At least three days (72 hours) have passedĀ since recovery, which is defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medicationsĀ andĀ improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath);Ā and,
  • At least 10 days have passedĀ since symptoms first appeared.

The TOURā€™s medical advisors and the CDC have indicated that PCR tests have shown a possibility of detecting viral RNA even after the infectious virus is no longer present. This would potentially become a persistent positive test result, despite the individual not being contagious.

Out of an abundance of caution, however, any player or caddie who meets the above criteria but continues to return a positive COVID-19 test will either compete as a single in competition or be grouped with players under the same situation, and he will also have no access to indoor facilities on site.

At this weekā€™s Workday Charity Open, Dylan Frittelli, Denny McCarthy and Nick Watney will follow the symptom-based model, as they have continued to return positive tests but meet the CDC guidelines for Return to Work. The three will play together in rounds one and two.

For more information on the CDC guidelines referenced above, visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/strategy-discontinue-isolation.html

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