COVID testing a must in PBA

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA is eyeing COVID-19 testing for players, coaches and staff and league personnel as part of its safety protocols once it gets the green light to resume play.

“Malaking bagay yung testing. Yun ang pinakaunang dapat natin gawin (It’s a big thing. That’s the first thing we should do),” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said yesterday in Radyo Singko’s Power & Play program.

Marcial thinks the PBA board will not hesitate having everyone tested because safety is the league’s priority.

The PBA commissioner said given the physical nature of the game, being a contact sport, it’s imperative to see to it that everyone is virus-free.

“Kasi pag hindi ka nag-test, syempre depensahan yan, baka mag-alangan yung players. Pero kung alam ng players na safe kayo pareho, makaka all-out pa rin sila,” he said.

According to Marcial, the pro league is also putting in place more safety nets for the games under the so-called new normal.

The PBA is closely coordinating with the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) regarding safety protocols not only among the teams but for the spectators as well. Among them are the wearing of face masks inside the venues, the use of sanitizers and seating arrangements.

Thermometer guns will be in use in all entry points of a playing venue.

As of now, with the NCR under “modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ),” public gatherings including sports events remain prohibited.

The PBA board will look at the situation again in August and decide on the fate of the virus-disrupted Season 45 based on two options: Holding one conference or cancelling the 2020 season.

“Baka sa August makakakita na tayo ng konting liwanag kung papayagan tayo ng gobyerno kahit practices lang, kahit walang scrimmages, conditioning lang,” Marcial said.

The pro league may be forced to scrap the season if it would still be impossible to return to action by October.

Marcial said the best scenario is to see the teams back in practice by September, and action in the Philippine Cup lasting until December or January.