Faced with the multiplication of cases of Covid-19, the NBA has decided to continue the season, with Adam Silver and his medical advisers who surround him believing that a two-week hiatus would not change the dynamic if the players are to stay with their relatives. Everyone should be isolated in “bubbles” and this is not being considered.
The commissioner warned the franchises that “January would be the worst time” and that the NBA is “Optimistic that the situation will improve in February after having gone through the darkest days”.
Can the basketball players in the league be vaccinated in February? It seems a bit early but, in the meantime, the NBA has decided to strengthen its health protocol for the next two weeks, at a minimum. Before and after matches, players will only be able to greet their opponents with a fist or elbow, and even in-match interactions (such as slapping a teammate’s hand) should be limited.
The league also wants players and coaches to wear their masks at all times, whenever they are not in play, and should crack down more on those who remove them as soon as they want to speak. Pre-match meetings can only last 10 minutes in the locker room, and masks will be compulsory.
In addition, players will no longer be able to invite people outside the team to their hotel rooms, outside. They will not be able to leave their hotel, apart from training and matches. And at home, they will have to stay at home, except to go to training and matches, play outdoor sports or indulge in essential activities, such as shopping.
