Covid stuck team will have some relief after NBA League has made amendments in its protocols.
NBA’s 75th season had mixed feelings amongst the teams and the fans. The season started as per the schedule and also returned to its full length, giving lots of joy to the NBA world. But the Pandemic situation and COVID-19 outbreak forced the team to play with limited resources. It was like a new open wound on a freshly cured body.
NBA had rules and protocols set up for outbreaks and also related to unvaccinated players. But after long and thorough consideration, the league has recently made amendments in its Covid-19 related protocols.
As per the new addition in the protocol, the league cut short the isolation period to 6 days from 10 days for asymptomatic players and coaches. Bulls Coach Donovan raised the issue at the game against the Miami Heat. Many Chicago players were asymptomatic but forced to a 10-day isolation period as per previous rule.
This rule will allow players and coaches who have positive or inconclusive tests to return after 6 days of isolation, provided they are asymptomatic by then and clear the tests for infectiousness. For the latter part, an individual must test with a low viral load on the fifth and sixth days after his initial positive tests.
Players who are still symptomatic need to follow the old 10-day isolation rule. NBPA (National Basketball Players Association) and NBA have reached an agreement over the new changes.
What might have forced NBA to make changes?
A per NBA’s study and reports, nearly 97% of the NBA fraternity is vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. Also, more than 65% of eligible players have taken booster doses also. This has lessened the severity a bit. This might have encouraged the league to consider the changes in protocols.
NBA franchises and players – especially LeBron James (his post related to the situation) and Bulls coach Donovan (who raised an issue for asymptomatic players) will be happy about new changes. Teams have a related memo on Monday.
There is no clear update over the hardship rule yet. But it will be unchanged till the situation is completely under control.
NBA list now has around 120 players sidelined due to Protocol, till Monday. Let us hope that this new amendment will help teams to have a better roster available for matches.
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