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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Dr. Tony Leachon to pro leagues: Adopt bubble concept

Dr. Tony Leachon to pro leagues: Adopt bubble concept

Published Aug 8, 2020 03:58 pm
NBA-style bubble will help prevent the spread of COVID-19, says ex-special adviser to the National Task Force
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Dr. Tony Leachon, former special adviser to the National Task Force against COVID-19, suggests to adopt a bubble-style for pro leagues in the Philippines. (PBA Images)

A former special adviser to the National Task Force against COVID-19 is suggesting the use of a bubble concept once pro leagues like the PBA, Chooks to Go 3x3 and Philippines Football League resume activities.

Dr. Tony Leachon said the concept similar to that of the NBA will help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially after the recent spike of cases forced the government to implement a stricter Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine in Mega Manila.

“Since may success factor ang bubble, baka kailangan PBA bubble din kasi meron kang reference model,” Leachon said during Saturday’s edition of Power and Play hosted by former PBA Commissioner Noli Eala on 92.3 News FM.

Dr. Tony Leachon, former special adviser to the National Task Force against COVID-19. (Photo from Tony Leachon's Facebook page)

Leachon cited the latest findings made by the Department of Health wherein the virus can spread in the workplace and household, something that has happened in the recent weeks.

The Philippines has almost 122,800 cases as of Friday, surpassing Indonesia for most in the Southeast Asian region.

Leachon said he had already discussed the bubble concept with his friends in the sporting community, namely San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria and Chooks 3x3 Commissioner Eric Altamirano.

The PBA said it will observe a closed-circuit concept where in players will be limited to going from their homes to practice venues and so forth.

“Mahirap kasi di mo naman alam kung mamomonitor ba yan kung talagang bahay yan. Pwedeng kumain yan o pag nagpagasolina, pwedeng bumaba. Baka mahawa ka dun,” he said.

But several teams have entertained the prospect of holding workouts in areas under General Community Quarantine while Metro Manila and surrounding provinces are still in MECQ.

If applied, teams will undergo their own bubble concept until Metro Manila returns to GCQ regulations.

READ: MECQ status foils return of practice sessions

The Chooks league, on the other hand, plans to hold a bubble in Calamba, Laguna if its second 3x3 season can start next month.

But Leachon admits that having a bubble will be costly for the leagues, unless there are suitable alternatives that can be made.

“Medyo mahal siya pero isa yun sa dapat nating isipin unless we have other options,” he said. 

ICYMI: SMC honors COVID-19 health workers in special Ginebra logo

Related Tags

Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 Chooks to Go 3x3 Chooks to Go Pilipinas 3x3 Tony Leachon covid-19 PBA Philippine Cup coronavirus 2020 PBA Philippine Cup PFL novel coronavirus Philippines Football League PBA 45th Season PBA Season 45 pba 45th PBA Season
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