The NBA has made an exception to its policy of not allowing teams to test players without symptoms in areas where local supply is sufficiently robust, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
This represents a significant step towards restarting not only access to team practice facilities as a potential return to action draws closer, but to actual games as well.
In whatever version of a return to the 2019-20 NBA season the league chooses to adopt, easily-available rapid testing will be critical.
That there are parts of the U.S. which have managed to avail themselves of such levels of testing is a promising sign even as several parts of the United States continue to make moves to reopen local economies ahead of public health experts’ advice.
The NBA recently informed teams of a "limited exception" to guidelines. Essentially, the NBA will approve a written authorization from a local health authority that confirms a "robust testing program in place for at-risk health care workers" in the team's community. https://t.co/kez7xMWrlB
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 8, 2020
Specifically, Wojnarowski notes the tests must be “readily available to at-risk health care workers” in order for teams to be allowed to use tests on asymptomatic players or staff that wish to open practice facilities in a safe manner.
The Orlando Magic in particular are a noteworthy applicant for such a measure, which is interesting given the push to finish the season on a Walt Disney World property located in the area that has been gaining steam in recent days.
The Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers are two more teams who might be granted a similar exception based on local conditions.
No word at present on how this might specifically affect the Boston Celtics, but with stay-at-home orders extended until at least May 18, it will likely remain a moot point for Boston for the immediate future.
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