Browns set to reopen facilities June 1

The Browns will reopen their training complex and FirstEnergy to several employees, but no players or coaches.

The Browns on June 1 will reopen their training complex in Berea and FirstEnergy to several employees, but coaches and players on all NFL teams for now are still not permitted to enter.

League facilities across the country had been closed due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“Following the league’s instruction that team facilities could reopen on May 19, pending government approval and adherence to NFL regulations, we targeted June 1 as the start date for Phase 1 of our employee return to Berea and FirstEnergy Stadium,” Browns executive vice president chief operations officer David Jenkins said in a statement.

“Since early March, we have worked closely with medical experts at University Hospitals to discuss COVID-19 and implement best practices and comprehensive hygiene protocols at both facilities that emphasize the health and well-being of our employees, their families and the entire community.”

Employees on the business side of the operation are likely to be among the group returning June 1. Coaches have been working remotely and players have been receiving instruction remotely.

Commissioner Roger Goodell told teams he expects coaches to be allowed in the facilities sometime next week if the states are agreeable.

Goodell does not want some teams to gain an advantage if their home state allows facilities to open and others do not.

“During the past two weeks, we thoroughly reviewed all of the parameters and recommendations in place to ensure the responsible and safe reopening of our facilities,” Jenkins said. “As planned, they will reopen to a limited number of employees beginning on Monday.

“We are proud of our entire staff’s collective efforts and productivity while working from home, and our return to the building marks an important step as we continue to diligently prepare for the 2020 season. In addition to adhering to all league and government guidelines, we will continue to evaluate COVID-19 developments with University Hospitals while creating safe environments for when additional Browns employees are permitted to return.”

No timetable has been set for all players to return to their respective facilities.

RANDY MEYERS — FOR THE MORNING JOURNAL Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield works on a short passing drill during Day 3 of training camp in Berea last summer.

TONY DEJAK — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Browns general manager Andrew Berry speaks during a news conference at Cleveland’s training camp facility in Cleveland on Feb. 5, 2020.