San Miguel Beer cleared another hurdle in its bid to resume practice on Tuesday after being allowed by the Acropolis subdivision to continue using its gymnasium amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Team manager Gee Abanilla said the Beermen received the full backing of the Acropolis Homeowners Association after submitting the safety measures that will be observed during the training sessions.
SMB is one of three teams holding practices in subdivisions, joining NorthPort (Green Meadows) and Rain or Shine (Northeast Greenhills). Columbian inside Azure Residences where it has several condominium units.
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“I am constantly in touch with the Acropolis Homeowners Association president regarding this and they are very supportive, provided that we operate within strict safety measures,” Abanilla told the Manila Bulletin.
“I gave them a copy of our guidelines and protocols that we shall implement as approved by the IATF and the PBA. Of course, all participants have to be COVID-19 negative before joining the small group practices and the venue should have undergone hospital standard disinfection procedures,” added Abanilla.
Practices will be split into sessions composed of four players, one trainer and one safety officer each before the venue will be disinfected during lulls.
SMB took part in swab tests last Tuesday at the facilities of San Miguel Corporation, with all members getting negative results according to Abanilla.
The Beermen are encouraged to observe a closed-circuit concept that will limit the movement of players, coaches and staff to only their homes and the practice venue.
“It will be closed-door practices for us and only a specific number of team members will be allowed to be in the venue,” Abanilla said.
“We shall encourage a home-gym-home routine and discourage any unnecessary side trips monitored by a disclosure report,” he added.