What is the new quarantine requirement for covid-positive NBA players?

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.

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.

Conditions for return-to-play

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.