NBA to require contact-tracing sensors — report

Dec 29, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; General view as the Los Angeles Clippers play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half at Staples Center. The event is being held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA is planning to beef up its ability to track the contacts of players and some team staff members as the league continues to fight its battle with the coronavirus.

ESPN reported Thursday that the NBA is expected to require players and others in the Tier 1 and Tier 2 groups to wear the Kinexon SafeZone contact sensor devices while they are taking part in all team activities, except for games, beginning Jan. 7.

It is hoped that use of the sensors would help to clarify which team members would need to be quarantined should someone in their organization test positive for COVID-19. It activates when the wearer comes within six feet of another wearer but does not track the location of either party via GPS.

Events when the sensor would be worn include travel on team buses and planes as well as practice. They wouldn’t be required to wear the sensors while at the team hotel on the road.

ESPN, citing a league memo, said the sensors will record “the distance and duration of in-person interactions.”

The NBA, the players association and medical officials are working together on the project. The NFL has used the sensors this season.

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