PBA: Players, coaches undergo rapid test as part of IATF-JAO protocol

Two weeks after PBA players, coaches and medical personnel underwent required swab testing prior to their return to practice, a second round of protocol, this time rapid testing, was performed on the same group the past two days.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said Friday that nine teams had different schedules at the Makati Medical Center, while the three San Miguel Corporation (SMC) teams went to the company facility.
“Ang schedule ng teams is September 3, 4,” Marcial told Manila Bulletin. “May kanya-kanya na oras and dates, so kung may schedule sila na ensayo, nasa kanila na yun kung mage-ensayo pa sila.”
The health protocol is part of the guidelines approved by the Joint Administrative Order Group composed of the Games and Amusements Board, Philippine Sports Commission and Department of Health.
The approved JAO guideline is for professionals, which include the PBA players, coaches and personnel. Two weeks ago, swab tests were done and all yielded negative results for COVID-19.
Marcial hopes for the same results with the rapid test.
“Ang proseso kasi namin is rapid test first, then swab test na ginawa two weeks ago, then eto nga rapid test uli. After 14 days, saka uli ang swab test for all persons involved sa ensayo,” said Marcial.
As part of the procedure, if a team member comes out positive in rapid test, a confirmatory swab test will be done. If it stays positive, that individual goes through a 14-day quarantine.
Also, since the league imposes a cluster-type of practice session with four players each plus a coach and medical personnel every hour on the facility, cluster members too will have to be tested.
If the results are negative, players can continue and proceed with the scheduled practice session.
The league hopes for a smooth process as possible with no positive case since players and coaches go from their respective homes to the training facilities and back.
Scrimmages, if approved by the IATF and depending on the success of the league’s practice resumption, could be next in a few weeks.
This could pave the way for the restart of the stalled Philippine Cup via an NBA-type bubble.