49ers news: Training camp approved to start on time

The 49ers have been authorized to begin training camp as scheduled, according to a report from The Athletic’s Matt Barrows on Wednesday.

Well, that’s one sigh of relief from the San Francisco 49ers.

On Wednesday, according to a report from The Athletic’s Matt Barrows (h/t Niners Nation), the Niners received approval from Santa Clara County to proceed with their 2020 training camp program as scheduled.

Previously, there were serious concerns whether or not San Francisco would be able to host camp at its training facility outside Levi’s Stadium within the county. Recent shutdown mandates across the greater portions of the state, initiated by Gov. Gavin Newsom in light of surges of COVID-19 cases, limited and restricted the kinds of gatherings at locations not unlike what the 49ers would be wanting to do at camp. Needless to say, this created potential problems for the team as they gear up for their first on-field efforts as a unit this year.

But one of the elements behind shutdowns is each county would determine whether or not entities like the 49ers could proceed, as long as certain safety protocols were being met and would continue to be met.

Based on Barrows’ latest report, it seems this is the case:

"Per source, 49ers have received approval from the county to move forward with training camp. Rookies, QBs, injured players to report/get initial COVID test tomorrow; Rest of team to come in July 28."

Players arriving are required to be tested within 72 hours before entering facilities. If tests show negative results, they’re required to self-quarantine for at least two days, either at home or at the team’s hotel.

There are still other details to be hammered out between the league and players union, such as frequency of testing and how to handle potential outbreaks.

But for the positive side of things, it appears as if the 49ers have crossed what could have been a major hurdle, especially as the vast majority of the league’s remainder is beginning their camps on time.

Still, there are probably going to be further developments on this front in coming weeks.