Three from organization test positive for virus

The coronavirus pandemic officially has made a penetration into Philadelphia professional sports.

According to the 76ers, three individuals from the organization have received positive test results for COVID-19. There was no immediate confirmation whether any of those infected were players, as coaches and “specific basketball operations support staff” members also were tested.

The Sixers said Thursday that “medical experts” and the NBA recommended that certain individuals from the organization be assessed. While three tested positive, the remainder of the studies came back negative, the Sixers said.

“We have reported this information to state and local health authorities as required,” the organization said via a written statement.

The tests were secured and processed privately, according to the club.

“Pursuant to CDC guidelines,” said the Sixers, “the individuals are in self-isolation and will be monitored closely by medical professionals.”

According to reports, the testing of the Sixers came after Christian Wood of the Detroit Pistons tested positive Monday for COVID-19. The Sixers defeated the

Pistons, 124-106, March 11 at the Wells Fargo Center, the last game either team would play before the NBA suspended play amid coronavirus concerns. Wood played 39 minutes in that game, scoring 32 points. That night, 11 Sixers logged minutes. Ben Simmons, Raul Neto and Norvel Pelle did not play.

Reports are that Wood left the Wells Fargo Center after the game wearing a mask. Later that night, the NBA suspended its schedule for at least 30 days after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz was reported to have tested positive for COVID-19.

Thursday, all 30 NBA teams were told by the league to close their training facilities to players and staff by Friday, according to ESPN. There is no indication when NBA games will resume. There has been speculation that NBA players will engage in some sort of charity game before the resumption of the official schedule.

“We’re going to try by every means we can to play basketball again,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver told ESPN. “But I say that the safety and health of our players is first, and our fans, which is why I don’t want to speculate more on that. That will be the condition upon which we can play: When public health officials give us the OK.”

As of Thursday, 14 individuals connected to the NBA have tested positive for COVID-19, according to various reports.

According to the Center for Disease control, “A positive test result for COVID-19 indicates that RNA from SARS-CoV-2 was detected, and the patient is presumptively infected with the virus and presumed to be contagious. Laboratory test results should always be considered in the context of clinical observations and epidemiological data in making a final diagnosis and patient management decisions.”

Wood played in 17 games for the Sixers in 2015-16.

“The health of our players, staff, fans and community is paramount, and we continue to be guided by medical experts at this time,” the Sixers wrote. “We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the public health and medical communities for their tireless efforts during these challenging times, as well as to our fans and partners for their support.”