The NBA and the players' union (NBPA) have consulted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and various experts in infectious diseases to learn about best practices to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Among the do's and don'ts, the NBA recommends that players make punches rather than “high five” with the fans, avoid taking various objects such as pens, balloons or jerseys stretched by supporters to sign autographs.
"The evolution of the coronavirus is likely to change quickly," the League reminded the teams, in its memo. As such, one of the concerns of the NBA concerns the maintenance of certain events such as the Draft Combine (where tests are conducted to detect the physical and technical potential of future professional players), internships and other detections.
Six deaths in the United States
On the side of the stars of the orange ball, the Portland point guard CJ McCollum announced on Twitter his decision not to sign autographs "until further notice", while reminding his followers of some usual precautions. Boston leader Kemba Walker also said on Monday he wanted to be careful: "I'm sure I'll sign autographs again, but maybe I'll go for a walk with my own felt pen."
While the number of cases of infections continues to increase in North America, this does not affect the teams for the moment, including the almost daily movements from one city to another, even from one coast to the other, to play regular season games, are not called into question. The Covid-19 epidemic surpassed 3,000 dead on Monday and is accelerating outside of China, especially in the United States where six deaths have been recorded since this weekend.
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