Among the concerns of the teams regarding the potential of false positives affecting players returning from COVID-19, the NBA on Wednesday updated its protocols to add an antibody test for players and staff who have recovered from the virus, according to a memo from ESPN.
Since people who have recovered from COVID-19 may still have dead virus cells in their system be detected by the tests, the league has now included the antibody test as part of its protocol for players and staff returning from the virus, according to the memo, obtained from ESPN.
As the league resumed play within the league bubble at Walt Disney World Resort, teams have worried about the potential for leading players to take false positive tests, particularly during the post-season, sources said. all’ESPN. In a recent call with the league’s chief executives, the question of what would happen if a false positive test occurred on a game day was raised by the league, sources said.
At least one player who contracted COVID-19, recovered and was later allowed to travel to Orlando, recorded several negative tests in Orlando and removed the quarantine on arrival, but subsequently tested positive.
Several players who have contracted the virus, including Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic and Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield, have already returned to training with their teams in Orlando. Others, such as Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook and Kings Harrison Barnes striker, are still at home recovering, with return dates to be determined.
The memo, which was obtained by ESPN, included four steps that each person needs to clarify in order not to be limited to participate with their teams anymore.
At least 14 days must have passed from the latter of their first positive test or from the resolution of their symptoms.
They must pass two negative PCR tests at least 24 hours apart.
They must return a positive antibody test in the past 30 days.
They must pass a rapid coronavirus negative test before taking part in any close physical contact with other people.
These steps were created after review by infectious disease experts and epidemiologists after consulting both the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association.
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