The NBA is going to Disney World, and it turns out the way they’re being assigned hotels — based on their seeds — isn’t the only quirky and strange thing about living in the Orlando bubble.
The league released a health and safety protocol that reporters spent Tuesday night breaking down. It includes details on COVID-19 testing, what will happen if someone tests positive and so on.
There are also some quirks to staying in the Magic Kingdom that have been unearthed in the document that were spread around on social media, which we’ve rounded up here, from entertainment to specific rules:
1. The anonymous tipline for violations
Per me and @sam_amick: The NBA will create an anonymous hotline to report potential violations of protocols in Orlando.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 17, 2020
There were a lot of Chris Paul jokes made:
1-800-CALL-CP3 https://t.co/alVyXRznvx
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) June 17, 2020
The hotline is Chris Paul’s cell number. https://t.co/vDu9M1xxWI
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) June 17, 2020
2. Ping pong, with a twist
My favorite detail in the 113-page health-and-safety protocol for Orlando shared with teams in past several minutes: No doubles in ping pong. "Until directed otherwise by the NBA, players should play singles only so that they can maintain six feet of distance from each other."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 17, 2020
This response makes a good point:
Sweat on each other in practices/games, but no Doubles Ping Pong! https://t.co/0qWessf3mG
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) June 17, 2020
3. The optional wearable ring
Players and team staff will be given the option to use a wearable ring that tracks heart rate, respiration rate, and other variables. The device features an "illness probability score" that indicates a player might be at greater risk of contracting coronavirus — or may have it.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 17, 2020
This is one that people had concerns about when it came to privacy, although ESPN’s Zach Lowe clarified it:
Team staff will *not* have any access to player data from the wearable ring (should any player actually choose to wear it) aside from instances in which the "illness probability score" triggers a further medical review. https://t.co/q7nk1cBzIa
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 17, 2020
4. How to play cards in the bubble
The NBA health protocols concede maintaining 6 feet of distance during card games "may not be practicable," and require anyone playing cards indoors wear masks. Players/staff must dispose of the deck at the end of each game/session. "Sufficient packs of cards will be available."
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 17, 2020
Re. NBA's social amenities for players:
– Every pack of cards used must be discarded at the end of games. Sufficient packs of cards will be available.
– Communal headsets for video games won't be available.
– Yes, no doubles in ping pong.
– No caddies when golfing.— Mike Singer (@msinger) June 17, 2020
5. No pets
Also, the handbook specifies: "We are not currently contemplating allowing pets on campus." So, no pets. https://t.co/qHefWXV5AL
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 16, 2020
6. Entertainment
From The Athletic:
A players-only lounge (with video games, including NBA 2K availability), arcade gaming, ping pong, movie screenings, DJ sets, ping pong tables, lawn games and more.
There are also excursions:
Team-sponsored outings (restaurants, boating, bowling, fishing, golfing), access to NBA Experience, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Wild Africa Trek.
7. Specifics on reducing certain behaviors during games
From the Washington Post:
Before the league assembles in Orlando, teams must brief their players about on-court behaviors that could increase the risk of coronavirus spread. Players will be discouraged from licking their fingers, spitting, clearing their nose, touching their mouthguard, wiping the ball with their jersey, sharing equipment, and exchanging jerseys after games. Players will be allowed to high five and shake hands during practices and games, but that type of “unnecessary physical contact” must be avoided with opposing teams on campus.
8. Other amenities
From ESPN:
Players will have access to virtual chaplain services, yoga and meditation, virtual mind-health sessions and mental health services. Other amenities include the availability of barbers, manicurists, pedicurists and hair braiders by appointment.
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