NBA players who test positive for COVID-19 now have a quicker path to return to play after the league completed a significant update to its health and safety protocols Monday.
The biggest change: Isolation periods for players who test positive may now be significantly shortened — down to six days from the customary 10 — provided those players are asymptomatic and meet other testing standards. Teams were told of the new protocols in a memo sent by the league, a copy of which was obtained by the Associated Press.
The NBA also relied on data, telling teams that the updated protocols “reflects analysis of testing data that the league and its infectious disease experts and epidemiologists have gathered throughout the pandemic.” The changes were made in agreement with the National Basketball Players Assn.The NBA has seen coronavirus numbers soar in recent days, even with 97% of players vaccinated and at least 65% of eligible players boosted against the virus.
Phoenix plays host to Memphis on Monday, while Portland — with seven players in the protocols as well — plays host to Dallas. It will be the Trail Blazers’ first game since Dec. 21; their game that had been scheduled for Dec. 23 against Brooklyn was postponed because of virus issues decimating the Nets’ roster. That was one of nine games postponed by the NBA so far this season.
“With Frank right now, it’s a matter of testing and getting those negative tests in,” said Lakers assistant coach David Fizdale, who is running the team in Vogel’s absence. “But he’s doing well healthwise. His spirit’s right. Obviously, he’s chomping at the bit to get back and start competing.”
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