NBA
The NBA and NBPA agree to increase covid-19 testing
In a memo released by the league and player's association they have made it very clear that they intend to step up the pressure in the fight against the virus.
The league is stepping up it's efforts in the fight against the pandemic with new mandates.
The NBA and NBPA to increase testing
As the NBA continues to push for greater protection against the growing numbers of positive covid-19 cases in recent weeks, it is now understood that the league will increase daily testing and face mask use for players and staff through the holiday season, according to a newly released memo. Having reached an agreement, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association will elevate testing for two weeks starting on December 26th. All players and staff will now be tested on game days with the exception of those who received their booster shot 14-plus days earlier or recently recovered from the virus, the memo said.
In addition players and staff will now be required to wear masks on the benches, in the teams' workout facilities and while traveling with the team, according to the memo.
The NBA's covid-19 situation has worsened
December was an especially bad month for the NBA where covid-19 was concerned. Indeed, some fifty-two players along with Indiana's coach Rick Carlisle, Sacramento's coach Alvin Gentry and Toronto's vice-chairman and president Masai Ujiri entered health and safety protocols. There were also outbreaks amongst the Nets, Hornets, Bulls, Lakers and Kings. Just this Wednesday gone a further twenty-two players entered protocols.
For more from the NBA
Initially vaccinated players were not required to get tested during the season, however, with positive cases on the rise several teams were forced to begin testing everyone and a spike in cases ensued. For the moment the NBA and NBPA seem committed to the idea of continuing the season without interruption. In fact it is understood that there have been discussions among teams about more feasible options for teams in terms of roster expansion. There are at present several teams in the league that are on the verge of being unable to field a full roster due to the covid-19 outbreaks.
Just this week alone saw the Chicago Bulls forced to cancel two of their games against Detroit and Toronto respectively.