Here's what happens if a player tests positive for COVID-19 inside the NBA bubble
- The NBA just released to players a 100-plus page document detailing plans for life inside the Walt Disney World bubble it's creating to restart its 2020 season.
- A considerable amount of text is devoted to health and safety protocols meant to protect participants from a COVID-19 outbreak.
- Players will be tested "regularly" using PCR testing and if they test positive twice consecutively, they'll be sequestered in "isolation housing."
- Those who contract the coronavirus can return to their teams when they are asymptomatic and can return two negative tests in a 24-hour period.
The NBA has an extensive plan for its return to action.
On Tuesday, the league released a 100-plus page document detailing protocols for life in isolation at Walt Disney World, where 22 teams will convene to restart the 2020 NBA season. And, unsurprisingly, much of the text is devoted to health protocols meant to protect participants from a COVID-19 outbreak.
It'll be no easy feat preventing the highly-contagious coronavirus from infiltrating the league's bubble in "The Most Magical Place on Earth," but frequent testing and strict measures in the event that someone does contract the virus should give those attending some solace that safety is of the utmost priority.
According to the recently-released document, players, coaches, guests, and essential staff present at the facilities Orlando, Florida, will be subjected to "regular" PCR testing — molecular testing that is generally less-invasive than other common methods of screening for COVID-19 — via nasal swab or saliva collection. Minimal serology and antibody testing may come into play as well.
Should an individual return a positive test, they'll be subjected to a second test as soon as possible to help rule out the chance of a false positive. Given that second test is positive, they'll be sequestered in "isolation housing," which the league describes as "a house, hotel, or other facilities that are different from the individual's previous hotel room and at a location in which no individuals who have not tested positive are residing. While there, they will have access to cleaning services and meal delivery. Professionals will facilitate medical care via teleconference unless in-person aid becomes necessary.
In order to return from isolation housing and rejoin the main NBA bubble, previously infectious individuals will need to be free of all COVID-19 symptoms, return two negative PCR tests more than 24 hours apart, and receive a positive medical evaluation from the league's designated physicians. Additionally, players will be subjected to cardiac screening prior to returning to the hardwood.
In conjunction with health officials and the Florida Department of Health, the NBA will use "sensor-based, video-based, and/or individual tracing" to determine whether other players, coaches or staff came in close contact with an individual once they are found to be infected with the virus. Those deemed at higher risk after exposure to an infected person will undergo intensified testing and monitoring.
Those participating in the resumption of the 2020 season will also have the option to wear a ring that monitors certain health information — including heart rate, heart rate variability, and more — to help the league more closely assess whether an individual has fallen ill. The NBA has assured those involved that it will not use the health information derived from testing and monitoring in the bubble "for any research purpose that is not consistent with these Protocols without prior consent from the NBPA." In other words, the league will not be selling or disclosing player health data.
It's still unclear how those headed to the NBA bubble feel about these health and safety protocols, but in order to participate in the remainder of the season, they'll have no choice but to oblige. According to the league, "any player, essential team staff member, league staff member, or Player Guest who refuses to undergo such testing will be prohibited from engaging in any team-organized activities... until testing is accomplished and/or ... may be required to leave the campus permanently."
Scott Davis contributed to reporting.
- Read more:
- Maya Moore already paved the way for athletes like Kyrie Irving who are 'willing to give up everything' for social justice reform
- Sorry, MLS, the NWSL is actually the first professional contact sports league to return in the US
- LeBron James blasts Fox News host Laura Ingraham for double-standard on which athletes she believes can speak out on politics
- 51 athletes who are out and proud members of the LGBTQ+ community