Published 18:41 IST, June 12th 2020
NBA's plan to return with 22 teams 'very creative' and 'not reckless': Dr Anthony Fauci
Dr Anthony Fauci, who is the director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently spoke about NBA's plan to return in July with 22 teams.
- SportFit
- 3 min read
Dr Anthony Fauci, who is the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently spoke about NBA's plan to return in July with only 22 teams at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Dr Fauci has previously commented on sports and how they could return amid the coronavirus pandemic. In a recent interview, Dr Fauci gave his views on the NBA's return, referring to the league's method as 'very creative'.
Also read | Dr Anthony Fauci calls coronavirus 'worst nightmare' as compared to Ebola, HIV: Dr Anthony Fauci on COVID-19
Dr Anthony Fauci calls NBA's return format in Orlando 'very creative'
While talking to The Stadium's Michael Kim, Fauci also stated that he was pleased to see that the decision to return was 'not reckless at all'. In April, Dr Fauci had suggested that sports could make a summer return. During the interview with The New York Times, Dr Fauci stated that while he would love all sports to be back, he needs to disagree as a health official, physician and scientist. He added that the country is 'not ready' for an NFL or NBA return.
If the authorities try to get things back to normal prematurely, Dr Fauci believed that everyone will find themselves in the 'same hole' once again. He even talked about how the leagues could move from no fans in attendance to a full attendance gradually, but there is still 'no guarantee'. Players needed to get tested regularly, but Dr Fauci maintained the possibility that they might not pull it off as safety cannot be guaranteed.
What are the safety protocols taken by the NBA?
The NBA is currently discussing various safety protocols before the season resumes in July. While players will be allowed to golf and eat at restaurants outside the facility, they will need to follow strict social distancing measures. ESPN further reported that everyone will be tested for COVID-19 daily within the contained environment. If a player tests positive, the league will remove him from the venue and quarantine him individually while continuing the games.
Disney employees will also maintain strict protocols and will not be allowed to enter the players' rooms. Crowding in places will also be monitored constantly. As per Adrian Wojnarowski, the league is now finalizing terms about return-to-play with several players on a conference call. Previously, there were reports about certain players being unhappy about the return as it is unsafe.
(Image source: AP)
Updated 18:41 IST, June 12th 2020