NBA plots out safety protocols

Disney restart to include daily COVID-19 testing, 1,600 on site.

The NBA’s elaborate safety protocol for play at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando is taking shape, with players and the league reportedly negotiating more details this week.

The coronavirus has had an impact on the league beyond forcing officials to shut down play on March 11 after a player tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Numerous other players were infected, including Nets superstar Kevin Durant, while Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, the mother of Timberwolves All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns, died due to COVID-19 complications.

Some players have said they were nervous about returning amid the pandemic.

The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association agreed on the league’s proposal for 22 teams to resume play in Orlando July 31. Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported daily COVID-19 testing will be among the safety procedures. The testing likely will done using the mouth swab/light nasal swab method and not the full invasive nasal swab.

If a player tests positive, he will be placed in a minimum seven-day quarantine. If a player or staff member tests positive, the league plans to continue playing.

Other safety protocols will include the league allowing a maximum of 1,600 people on site and the requirement that players stay on the property, according to Charania. On Monday he reported that if a player leaves, he will be subject to at least a 10-day quarantine upon his return and must show two negative COVID-19 tests before being allowed to play again.

Meanwhile, families of players are being allowed on site after the first round of the playoffs under a limit of three people with some exceptions, according to Charania.

Perhaps the biggest question about the NBA’s return pertains to fans, who will not be allowed to attend the games at Disney.

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