What is the new quarantine requirement for covid-positive NBA players?
In the wake of increasing covid-19 cases in the league, the NBA and its players’ association are drawing up an agreement to adjust existing protocols.
The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are close to signing an agreement that would adjust existing covid-19 protocols and cut the quarantine period for some players, according to multiple reports.
The NBA and NBPA are in talks on shortened quarantines for players who test positive for COVID-19, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Sides are discussing allowing players to return faster – as soon as six days – based on testing cycle threshold.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 23, 2021
Under the deal, players could could be cleared to return to their team only six days after they show a positive covid test result. Currently, covid-positive players are required to isolate themselves for 10 days. The new shortened quarantine period would only be applicable to asymptomatic players.
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Games postponed
The agreement is being negotiated as the NBA has had to postpone games because of teams not being able to field enough healthy players in the wake of more covid-19 cases. To date, a total of nine games have been postponed.
The league and the players’ association are still hammering out the details of the plan before sharing them with the team members. It is not yet clear when the changes will be implemented, nor how they will affect the games scheduled for Christmas.
Thinning rosters due to Covid-19 make the NBA's annual Christmas Day showcase of games look more and more bleak. For @ForbesSports: https://t.co/L1PCpMIuyh
— The Kobe Beef (@TheKobeBeef) December 23, 2021
Conditions for return-to-play
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The protocols at the moment provide different timelines for an individual athlete’s return to play. Those with moderate to severe symptoms aren’t allowed to exercise for at least ten days and are required to pass a cardiac screening. Players with mild symptoms cannot exercise for seven days, while those who are asymptomatic are banned from exercise for three days after the positive test result.
Due to the surge in covid cases, the league agreed earlier this month to increase testing for two weeks starting the day after Christmas. Players and NBA staff have also been required to wear masks more frequently. More than a hundred players have gone under covid protocols this month alone. NBA commissioner Adam Silver had earlier said the league has no plans to pause its season despite the recent outbreak.