What Is the NBA’s Covid Protocol?

The NBA has released its Covid-19 health and safety protocols for the 2020-21 season. Here’s what you need to know about the league’s plan.

Introduction

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has been working hard to implement a variety of health and safety protocols in order to protect its players and staff.

One of the first measures that the NBA took was to create an isolated “bubble” for the resumed 2020 season. This meant that all 22 teams would be housed in one location (Orlando, Florida) and would only play against each other. This would minimize the risk of players and staff coming into contact with the virus.

In order to be admitted into the Orlando bubble, each person had to test negative for Covid-19. Once they arrived, they would be tested every day. Players and staff were also required to wear masks at all times, except when they were on the court or in their hotel room.

The NBA also installed a variety of health and safety measures in their arenas. These included: Plexiglass barriers around players’ benches, regular sanitizing of all surfaces, and enhanced ventilation systems. In addition, there were strict limits on who could enter the arena (only essential personnel).

So far, these measures have been successful in preventing any outbreaks within the NBA bubble. As a result, the 2020 season was able to be completed without any major disruptions.

What is the NBA’s COVID Protocol?

The NBA has established a protocol for the 2020-21 season in the event that a player or staff member tests positive for COVID-19. The protocol includes daily testing, wearing masks, and maintaining social distance. Players will also be isolated if they test positive.

Daily Health Checks

NBA players are required to undergo daily health checks, which include a temperature check and questions about their health. If they have any symptoms, they will be tested for coronavirus and must isolate until they receive a negative test result.

Quarantine

If a player tests positive for COVID-19, he will be quarantined and isolated from the team. If he is asymptomatic, he will remain in quarantine until he produces two negative tests at least 24 hours apart. If he is symptomatic, he will remain in quarantine until he produces three consecutive negative tests at least 24 hours apart.

Testing

NBA players are required to undergo two COVID-19 tests each week. According to the league, players who test positive must quarantine for at least 10 days and pass two consecutive negative tests 24 hours apart before they can return to action.

The NBA’s COVID Protocol in Action

The NBA has a strict COVID protocol in place to keep its players and staff safe. The protocol includes daily testing, wearing masks, and social distancing. Players who test positive for COVID are isolated from the team and must quarantine for at least 10 days.

The 2020 NBA Draft

The 2020 NBA draft was held on November 18, 2020, nearly two months later than its originally scheduled date of October 16. The draft was conducted virtually for the first time ever due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 57 players were selected over two rounds by the 30 teams in the National Basketball Association. LSU’s Cameron Thomas was the first draft pick, going to the Charlotte Hornets.

The Dallas Mavericks had the most selections with six, while the Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings had none. This was also the first time since 1951 that no international players were drafted in the first round.

The 2020-2021 NBA Season

The 2020-2021 NBA season will be the first season played during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NBA has released a health and safety protocol that all teams must follow in order to ensure the safety of the players and staff. The protocol includes daily COVID-19 testing, social distancing, wearing masks, and contact tracing. Players who test positive for COVID-19 will be isolated from the rest of the team and will not be allowed to return to play until they have cleared all medical protocols.

Conclusion

The NBA has a strict set of protocols in place to ensure the safety of players and staff during the Covid pandemic. These include regular testing, social distancing, and wearing masks. The league is also working closely with health experts to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary. So far, the NBA’s Covid protocol has been successful in keeping the virus from spreading among players and staff.