PBA player tests positive for COVID-19, Manila Clasico to push through
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 2:24 p.m.) — A PBA player has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) inside the bubble in Pampanga.
In a press conference held on Sunday, the league announced that the official who tested positive earlier this week for the virus turned out negative confirmatory tests.
But a player from the Blackwater Elite tested positive and has been since isolated from the rest of the team and brought to the Athletes Village in Capas, Tarlac for more tests.
The whole Elite squad has been isolated. Commissioner Willie Marcial announced that the scheduled game between Blackwater and Rain or Shine today is thereby cancelled.
But the Manila Clasico game between the Ginebra San Miguel and the Magnolia Hotshots will push through at 6:45 p.m..
The TnT Tropang Giga, who played against Blackwater on Thursday, will also be isolated to avoid any further positive tests.
However, the Tropang Giga was currently training at the Angeles University Foundation Gym during the announcement of the positive test of the Elite cager.
Despite the previous scare with the official, and another suspect case with the Blackwater Elite player, Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) chief Vince Dizon still believes in the integrity of the bubble.
"There is no reason to say that the bubble has been breached. The protocols have been followed," said Dizon.
League commissioner Wilie Marcial echoed Dizon's sentiments.
"Hindi na-bursst ang bubble," said Marcial.
The player who tested positive will be tested again today, while the other players will be tested using the antigent test in the coming days.
How are sports bodies responding to the coronavirus pandemic? Follow this page for updates. Photo from AFP
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