Details emerged about the NBA’s six-phase plan earlier today and more information is trickling in. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com (Twitter link), the league has confirmed it will not suspend the season again if some players test positive for COVID-19.
“The occurrence of a small or otherwise expected number of COVID-19 cases will not require a decision to suspend or cancel the resumption of the 2019-20 season,” the NBA Health and Safety protocol read.
Here’s more on the league’s return to play:
- In the NBA campus, teams will have two rows on the bench and Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter links) relays what the protocol for those spots will be. The first row will have players and coaches. No mask will be required, though it’s recommended that coaches wear one. In the second row, other players and coaches will be required to wear a mask at all times unless the player is an active player.
- Referees will not be required to wear masks on the court, Charania adds.
- All players, team staff, and guests will be required to acknowledge in writing that they will adhere to all rules set forth by the league while on the NBA campus, Charania tweets. Failure to adhere to the rules could result in discipline that may include a warning, fine, suspension, or getting kicked off the campus.
Cmon it’s a pandemic. Fines don’t affect pathogens.
The pathogen is self aware I’m told. It knows not to affect those protesting a good cause
Plague Fines do seem just a little bit over the top. Maybe they can donate to a Charity Antibody Bank.
If everyone comes into the Bubble Campus and is quarantined for 2 weeks without COVID appearing then you have a clean population. The reason for the dog and pony outlined above is because the NBA anticipates some violation of the Bubble by players and staff. As I mentioned in a previous post, the main source of infection, though, is going to come from the Disney employees and others who enter and exit the Bubble with only a temperature and symptoms check.
Masks a row away? Pure insanity.
Scam