By Jonas Terrado
Closed-door practices, temperature checks and the use of disinfectants are some of the common preventive measures PBA teams have taken due to the increasing threat posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The NorthPort Batang Pier take a hands-off approach during a huddle held in Thursday’s practice at Green Meadows Gym. (Photo from the NorthPort Batang Pier’s Twitter account)
Not even the infectious disease that forced the PBA to suspend its Philippine Cup games until further notice has prevented teams from conducting their business, albeit under strict precautions.
Teams have been barring visitors from attending practices, namely Magnolia, TNT KaTropa, NorthPort, Meralco and San Miguel Beer.
“We would just like to observe our present situation with (COVID-19),” said SMB team manager Gee Abanilla. “The welfare of everyone is our primary concern and for the meantime, we encourage our team to observe social distancing and boosting our immune system.”
Among the team guidelines which shared by Abanilla include that “those with temperatures above 37.6C are not allowed within the premises and advised to seek medical help” and those allowed to enter the premises “shall be required to wash their hands first.”
READ MORE: San Miguel Beer calls off practice due to COVID-19 threat
SMB held practice Thursday at the Acropolis Gym before deciding to call it a day after completing the session in just an hour.
NorthPort and TNT, on the other hand, have told their utility staff to wear masks during practices as part of the ways to prevent the disease, apart from the aforementioned steps.
“We believe that it’s the right thing to do considering the situation now,” said TNT team manager Gabby Cui. “We need to ensure the safety of our players, fans and the PBA community.”
The Batang Pier, meanwhile, have told members of the team that “guesting attendance, birthday parties, socials, personal events, concerns should be avoided” and “all travels foreign and local requires prior approval” from higher ups.
NorthPort is also asking players to “avoid handshakes, high fives, selfies, signing autographs and crowded areas.”
In times like this – touch hearts muna, not people (not even your teammates).
Sanitize! #NORTHPORT #PBA pic.twitter.com/rYzt2XJ8mA
— NorthPort (@NorthPortPH) March 12, 2020
Meralco is also making efforts to check on the welfare of team members.
“We’re taking all necessary measures to ensure safety,” said Meralco team manager Paolo Trillo, whose team is also doing “close monitoring of the team’s health and daily routine.”
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial announced last Wednesday the indefinite postponement of the matches but will still allow teams to practice until things get back to normal.
Marcial, however, discouraged teams from holding tune-up games during the suspension.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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