MANILA, Philippines — PBA on Tuesday ensured the safety of the viewing public ahead of its season opener amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Commissioner Willie Marcial said all venues for the Philippine Cup, which tips off on March 8, will be equipped with medical supplies including digital thermometers, and disinfectants.
Reigning five-time champion San Miguel Beer and perennial contender Magnolia will kick off the new season at Araneta Coliseum.
“Yes, we’ve already discussed that the [supplies] will be provided at the venues,” said Marcial in Filipino. “That’s a big thing because we all know Filipinos are also careful when it comes to health.”
The league had already pushed its opening a week later due to the virus, which originated in Wuhan, China and has affected 76 countries and led to over 3,000 deaths as of posting time.
“I suggested [during the PBA planning session] to delay the opening so that we could assess the situation first and I thought it did us good,” Marcial said.
The one-week delay, however, could likely result in the season ending as late as February next year.