(670 The Score) The Bears closed Halas Hall on Thursday morning and will work virtually for the day after center Cody Whitehair tested positive for COVID-19, as NFL Media first reported. The team announced the closing of its facility without specifically naming Whitehair.
“This morning we were notified that another Bears player has tested positive for COVID-19," the team said. "As a result, the club has decided to pause all in-person football activities and close Halas Hall. Today’s practice has been canceled and all meetings will be conducted virtually. The player who tested positive and all close contacts have been contacted and have already begun self-isolation. We will continue to work closely with the NFL medical experts and follow the league’s intensive protocol. The health and safety of our team, players and staff are the highest priority.”
Whitehair didn't practice Wednesday while dealing with a calf injury. He's the Bears' second positive case of the virus this week. Tackle Jason Spriggs tested positive Monday, forcing the team into intensive protocols.
Guard Germain Ifedi was deemed a close contact to Spriggs and was also placed on the COVID-19 reserve list. The Bears had expressed hope that there was no spread of the virus after Spriggs tested positive.
"We feel pretty good in regards to everything right now with where we're it," coach Matt Nagy said Wednesday.
"But we do feel strongly that you've got to keep your fingers crossed. You never know. Every day is a new day."
The Bears were scheduled for a usual Thursday of preparation ahead of their game at the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. Instead, players and staffers were sent home to conduct their work.
Nagy is scheduled to speak with reporters later in the day Thursday.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.