Fingers crossed PBA observes precaution

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Basketball Association is hopeful that precautionary measures implemented by the government as well as the league will be enough to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 infection among the players, coaches, officials and other stakeholders.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said to date, there’s no suspected case of COVID-19 under his watch, with everyone following the protocols as the league, like all sectors of society, deals with the pandemic.

“As of now, wala (none). Sana wala (Hopefully, none),” said Marcial, keeping his fingers crossed that the PBA would be spared in the wake of three  confirmed cases over in the NBA.

The PBA was among the first to declare a suspension of play due to the worsening COVID-19 situation. And as the government put Metro Manila under community quarantine, the league also ordered a halt on team practices for two weeks.

Marcial said the PBA ballclubs themselves have individually set guidelines for their respective players to observe during the period.

“Sila mismo ang nagpo-police sa mga players,” said Marcial.

While action is on hold, the PBA and some of the players are doing their share by issuing calls for calm and cooperation with the authorities’ efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 like personal hygiene and social distancing.

“Inaanyayahan ko po kayong lahat na magkaisa at magtulungan sa mga panahong ito. Ito lang ang tamang paraan upang masugpo ang pagkalat ng coronavirus,” said Columbian star CJ Perez.

“Sana po maghugas tayo lagi ng kamay o maglagay ng alcohol at kung maari po mag-stay lang po tayo sa loob ng bahay natin at ‘wag na muna tayong maglalabas ngayon para hindi na po kumalat yung virus,” said Magnolia ace Paul Lee.

“Wag po tayong mag-panic sa nangyayari sa ating bansa ngayon. Magtulungan tayo,” said teammate Mark Barroca.