Exploring the New NBA Health and Safety Protocols for the Upcoming Season
The world has been grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic for the most part of 2020. The pandemic had a significant impact on sports globally, and the NBA was no exception. The league suspended the 2019-2020 season on March 11, 2020, after Utah Jazz player, Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. The league resumed later in July, but the disruption was evident, and teams had to play in a bubble. Teams that made it to the NBA postseason lived in a secure campus-like setting and reported zero positive cases during their stay. Now the NBA is set to begin a new season but with new rules in place. Let’s explore the new NBA health and safety protocols for the upcoming season.
Testing Protocols
Players and team officials will undergo COVID-19 testing twice daily on practice and game days. Members of traveling parties will also be required to undergo daily testing. Teams will have to submit a testing plan to the NBA one week before the start of the season.
Social Distancing and Face Coverings
Players and team staff will have to wear face masks while on the bench, training, and travel. They will also have to maintain a six-foot social distance during team meetings and meals.
Contact Tracing
In case of a positive COVID-19 test result, the team will work with health authorities to track down people who came into contact with the infected player or staff member. The league will also conduct daily contact tracing reviews.
Traveling
Players and staff members will have to wear masks and follow social distancing rules while traveling. Teams will travel to cities previously determined to minimize exposure to COVID-19 and to ensure safe transportation.
Conclusion
The NBA has put together an extensive set of protocols to ensure a safe environment for players, team officials and staff members, and the fans. The protocols put in place highlights the importance of following guidelines set by health authorities to limit the spread of the virus. As we eagerly anticipate the 2020-2021 NBA season, fans hope that everyone involved will continue to prioritize the health and safety of all those participating.
