No gov’t decision yet on PBA appeal to allow practice sessions

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The government has yet to decide whether or not it will grant the request of the Philippine Basketball Association to allow its teams to resume practice sessions, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that based on Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution No. 38, only outdoor and non-contact sports like walking, jogging, running, biking and swimming were allowed in areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ) which include Metro Manila, provided that the minimum public health standards are observed.

“Subalit bawal pa rin po ang mass gatherings o pagtitipon katulad ng mga sporting events,” Vergeire said.

(However, mass gatherings such as sporting events are still prohibited.)

“Sa ngayon po pinag-aaralan pa rin ng mga eksperto kung ano ang magiging rekomendasyon nila tungkol sa mga contact sports kagaya ng basketball,” she added.

(Experts are still studying what would be their recommendation regarding contact sports likes basketball.)

Earlier, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial sent a letter to the IATF and the DOH which included proposed health protocols in the hope of paving the way for teams to at least start practicing even by small groups as soon as possible.

Among the guidelines to be strictly followed is the “no-test, no-practice” policy as well as the standard health protocols such as checking of temperature and social distancing.

The PBA has been suspended since March 11, just days after the start of its 45th season.