48 NBA Players Tests Positive for COVID-19

The NBA along with the Players Association, among the 546 tests conducted across the league from November 24 to November 30, 48 players were tested positive for coronavirus. Ahead of the season, as the players returned to their home markets for their individual workout, this was the initial round of tests. Per the schedule, the regular season will start on December 22, 

All the NBA players who have been tested positive will have to get isolated from all the official activities. They will have to remain in isolation until they clear and return to negative tests per the league & the union agreed rules. While the NBA & the Players Association did not disclose about which all teams have returned positive test results, yet there were indications that the Golden State Warriors have delayed their training camp as two of their players returned positive test results. 

NBA 2019-20 Season Halted on March 11.

With the start of the pandemic, the NBA season 2019-20 got halted in March 2011. The season came to completion at a later date with required precautions & safety measures in place. For the 2020-21 season, the teams are expected to host opponents for the in-markets games. The Utah Jazz is going to be among those teams who have been planning to welcome fans in a reduced capacity. 

In comparison to the national average of 10.2% positive coronavirus cases, while the 8.8% positive tests in the first round of the test is less, yet it is a matter of concern. Also, this range is higher than the total 5.3% rate, which is 16 out of 302 and is higher than the percentage in Orlando, Florida during the same period in June in the last season. 

Initially, 46 players were tested positive for COVID-19 in the last season. In mid-October (at the end of the season) when the bubble was formed, there were no positive cases throughout the league. 

NBA 2020-21 Season.

At the start of this season, 2020-21, the Golden State Warriors had to delay their game because of two positive coronavirus cases. The 134-page detailed health & safety protocol was released. Per this protocol, the players who test positive cannot go for workouts for a continuous 10-days (this will be applicable if he is symptomatic or asymptomatic). And, also after that, the player will be required to work out individually for two days and they will also be required to go through a cardiac screening before the player can resume the normal game. 

This means, a player if tests positive will have to remain away from the normal workouts for a total of 12-days. Only after completing these 12-days, he can return-to-play with teammates with full participation. The NBA’s first preseason game has to start from December 11, which is less than 12 days from the first round of tests.