Two-time PBA MVP James Yap of Rain or Shine is set to return in the country January 15, but due to the travel restriction of the government on countries found to have new variants of COVID-19, the superstar guard said he is in a "wait and see" situation while in Italy.
“Malalaman ko sa January 15… flight ko na kasi yun e. Pero matagal pa naman,” Yap told Manila Bulletin Sunday.
Yap returned to Italy in Milano Marittima two days before Christmas for the holidays with partner Michela Cazzola and their four-year-old son Michael James and two-year-old daughter Francesca Michelle.
Yap said that Italy is on a lockdown and that authorities have suspended travels, particularly crossing from one region to another in hopes to contain the spread of the new virus strain.
He said that in Milano Marittima, which is located in the province of Ravenna, residents are not allowed to go out, that is why they spent the New Year celebration and Christmas Day in the Cazzola residence.
“Bahay lang kami, di naman kami lumalabas kasi bawal,” he said.
Yap was in Italy from early June up to an extended time in late September with family. He was supposed to return in the middle of August but was forced to stay in Italy because of closed borders.
While the threat of transmission is more serious with the new COVID-19 strain, Yap said he is not too worried.
“Basta sunod lang palagi sa health potocols, huwag magpabaya, wear mask and (face) shield, alcohol and disinfect, practice physical distancing… basta sunod at iwas pa din,” said Yap.
Rain or Shine, according to Yap, is set to return to training this month in preparation for the 46th PBA Season on April 9.