PBA: San Miguel Beer calls of practice due to COVID-19

By Waylon Galvez

Defending five-time Philippines Cup champion San Miguel Beer had a one-hour shootaround Thursday before management and coaching staff decided to halt the team’s practice session at the Acropolis gym in Quezon City.

SMB team manager Gee Abanilla said that it is part of the team’s measures in combating the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) after the infected cases went up to 49 in Metro Manila.

“As of yesterday (Wednesday) our plan is to have three to four times practice because hindi naman natin alam kung kelan mag-resume and PBA, and we’re trying to find a balance,” said Abanilla.

“But now we’re finishing our practice early, and we’ll let the players know when we’ll be resuming until further notice.”

The team began its all-Filipino campaign with an impressive 94-78 win over Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok as the PBA opened shot for its 45th Season last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The league board, in an unprecedented move, announced the postponement of games indefinitely due to the COVID-19 scare, and PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said they would continue to monitor the situation.

SMB governor Robert Non said that the decision of the PBA is “very timely” since various organizers already suspended most major sporting events –including the NBA games.

“The decision of the PBA is very timely because we all know what’s going on right now, and it’s for the safety of players, fans and officials of the league,” said Non when contacted by The Manila Bulletin.

As for the cancelation of SMB practice, Abanilla said it is also for the best of each individual.

“For me the best solution for this COVID-19 virus phenomenon is the social distancing. I think we should be very careful, kasi hindi naman natin alam kung anong nangyayari sa mga nakakasama ng bawat isa,” said Abanilla.

“Of course we can control the environment here in practice, and we agreed to implement some measures like thermal check, alcohol, germ fighting soaps and disinfectants.”

“Still, we can’t be sure what’s happening outside. So kailangan naman na ma-protektahan din namin ang team, and at the same time yung families ng bawat isa. I’m not really panicking but what we want is to have precautions,” he added.

Source: Manila Bulletin