Chooks 3×3: Players undergo COVID-19 testing, begin practices

MANILA, Philippines— Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 has begun preparations for its season, beginning with COVID-19 tests for participating teams.

Players from Zamboanga City Family’s Brand Sardines, Zamboanga Peninsula Valientes, Gapan Chooks, and Bacolod Master Sardines underwent swab tests on Monday while Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors, Palayan City Capitols, and Porac-Big Boss Cement Green Gorillas had theirs on Wednesday.

Bicol Volcanoes, Sarangani Marlins, Val City Classic, and the league’s select team will be tested on Friday and Monday next week.

“We had staggered testing. Yesterday there were four teams then today another four, so the teams’ practices will also be staggered,” said league commissioner Eric Altamirano.

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The first batch of teams already had their practices Wednesday at University of the Philippines Epsilon Chi Gymnasium apart from the Valientes.

Before the players got inside the venue for practices, though, they were first administered a rapid test with every single player testing negative.

The players then signed up for GET Philippines’ contact-tracing app.

“It’s during this first week where we will see if there are things that we can adjust with our system before we get back to the games itself,” said league owner Ronald Masacariñas who thanked his alma mater UP and GET Philippines for their help.

The league is looking for an October 2 return with the opening game for the President’s Cup set to take place at Inspire Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

Those plans, however, will still need the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases.