Even players who have not tested positive but have had symptoms associated with COVID-19 within the past three months also must undergo an evaluation. “There are ongoing discussions between sports medicine specialists and cardiologists about ways in which COVID-19 can affect the heart,” said John DiFiori, the NBA’s director of sports medicine and chief of primary sports medicine and attending physician at New York City’s Hospital for Special Surgery. “Our cardiac screening protocols are a reflection of the very cautious approach we’re taking on any potential cardiac-related complications from the virus, because early research has shown that in some cases serious conditions can arise. We are working closely with the NBPA, and our collective group of consultants, to understand and apply the emerging data, given that our knowledge of this virus is limited since it first appeared only seven months ago.”