From gargling warm water with salt day and night, to taking multiple vitamins to boost the immune system, bringing pocket-sized bottles of sanitizer or alcohol, and wearing face masks and face shields.
All of these are being practiced by PBA players, the very same things that Filipinos are doing in this time of coronavirus pandemic as advised by the medical experts and the government.
“Lahat naman ng kailangang gawin ginagawa natin, ino-observe ko ang ng family para makapag-ingat talaga. Kung anong advise ng doctors na inumin at gawin, yun ang ginagawa natin,” said Magnolia Hotshots guard Paul Lee.
“From taking vitamins to proper hygiene, exercise, tamang pagtulog, yung pagsuot siyempre ng facemask, face shield and minsan gloves pag lalabas to buy essentials,” added Lee.
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LA Tenorio of Barangay Ginebra said that he is doing the same, although he has added an ‘old school’ way to gargle – water with salt.
“Nag-mumumog ako ng warm water na may asin tapos sa gabi gargle ulit ng pangtanggal ng bacteria sa lalamunan,” said Tenorio, adding that having enough sleep is also a factor to boost the immune system.
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Medical experts around the world have said a strong immune system keeps a person away from illnesses, particularly these days when countries are battling the spread of COVID-19.
PBA players practice these health protocols, especially now that they are several days away from a possible return to action.
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As the country awaits the government’s decision whether or not to extend MECQ or back to a more relaxed GCQ, PBA players are just doing everything to keep safe in time for the resumption of training.
“Umaasa pa rin ako na makakabalik ang PBA at ma-resume ang practice,” said Arwind Santos of San Miguel Beer.
“Naiintindihan namin kung bakit di ma-resume ang practice, tama ang ginagawa ni Commissioner Willie na sinisigurado nya na lahat ay safe bago maumpisahan muli ang PBA,” he added.
NLEX guard Kevin Alas shares the same sentiments, adding that the trust and confidence of players on the PBA Commissioner’s Office, the owners and board of governors have always been solid.
“Buong buo ang tiwala namin kay Commissioner Willie, at sa buong PBA that they can come up with the safest and feasible protocol and guidelines for the whole PBA family,” Alas said.
For now, it’s all about taking good care of their health – whatever it takes.
Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga, like his co-players, is practicing all these health protocols, but he has a gadget he purchased from teammate Rey Nambatac that he now uses whenever he is out buying essential needs.
“Suot ko siya na parang kuwintas, maliit pa ng konti sa normal size ng pocket wifi, rechargeable, ginagamit ko pag nasa labas. Ang gamit niya is hinihigop nya yung hangin – kumbaga napi-filter niya kung ano kung hangin sa paligid ko,” said Belga.
“Sa ngayon gagawin mo na lahat para maging safe e, effective naman siguro to kasama na siyempre yung ibang ginagawa to stay safe. Huwag naman sana tayo umabot sa magsu-suot ng PPE,” added Belga.