The NBA presented teams with a fleshed-out safety protocol for the upcoming season, which is due to begin on December 22 as the number of new COVID-19 cases explodes in the US and elsewhere in the world.
The 134-page guide lists many measures that will be put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and provides for severe penalties for offending teams.
Thus, if a team violates the measures and is at the origin of an outbreak forcing adjustments to the schedule, it is exposed to fines, suspensions, adjustments or loss of draft picks and / or the package of matches.
At home, players and staff will not be allowed to frequent bars or clubs, attend shows or go to public gyms, spas or swimming pools. They will also not be able to take part in private indoor gatherings of 15 or more people.
When traveling outside, they will have to eat in certain restaurants approved by the league, outside or in indoor restaurants in fully private spaces.
Travel during the pandemic also represents a major challenge and the league and the Players; Association would try to find a balance by giving a minimum of freedom to the players, but by limiting their potential exposure to the virus, in particular with this concept of list of approved restaurants.
The NBA will provide those who live in the same homes as players and staff with a drug test twice a week. The league encourages them to undergo them to improve their protection throughout the season.
The protocol also mentions that once vaccines are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are confirmed to be effective and safe, the league and the Players’ Association will have discussions on whether vaccination will be mandatory for players, coaches and staff. If this is not the case, we will wonder whether protective measures wearing a mask, regular tests, etc. will remain mandatory for those who have been vaccinated.
