The NFL experienced a significant drop in COVID-19 infections during its most recent testing period.

The decrease is likely the result of a mid-November decision to place all 32 teams under "intensive" protocols designed to minimize high-risk close contacts.

A total of 45 NFL employees -- 18 players and 27 staff members -- returned positive test results between Nov. 29 and Dec. 5.

That is a 47.7% drop from the previous testing period and the lowest for any testing period since the end of October.