NBA will enforce additional rules forbidding hugs, handshakes with midcourt security

NBA went ahead with 2020-21 season in spite of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With or professional leagues facing outbreaks and postponed games, league released only one part of ir schedule, setting up ir season in a way which would allow m to play on. Various NBA COVID-19 guidelines were placed, which would help league play games even if a player tests positive. 

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NBA rules: League to enforce stricter rules during games 

While NBA already had countless COVID-19 guidelines in place, many games had to be postponed due to various players being exposed to COVID-19 in January alone. In response, league tightened rules, urging players to minimise contact. However, as players refuse to cooperate, league will w be adding security to court to prevent furr violations.

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As per ESPN, security will be available midcourt, preventing players from shaking hands and hugging. league made ir decision looking at increasing COVID-19 cases – tightening rules for players and staff members. While rules about players moving around while travelling are already in place, new rules are focused around in-game actions. 

However, players continuously engd in postgame contact, which resulted in NBA issuing new memo on Wednesday (Thursday IST). new rules need players to stay in ir half of court during pregame and halftime, only allowing elbow and fist bump contacts. Along with hugs and handshakes, high-fives are t permitted. Postgame conversations will also be limited. 

While only one game was postponed last month, January has seen multiple outbreaks. Per reports, 11 new cases of positive COVID-19 players have been recorded since January 13 to 19. Including Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards game, 17 total encounters have been pushed ahead this season. 

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Some NBA scores for January 21 (January 22 IST)

• Cleveland Cavaliers beat Brooklyn Nets 147-135 double OT
• Philadelphia 76ers register 117-109 win over Boston Celtics
• Indiana Pacers lose 124-112 to Dallas Mavericks
• Miami Heat beat Raptors 111-102
• Golden State Warriors triumph over San Antonio Spurs with a 121-99 score
• LA Clippers beat Sacramento Kings 115-976

COVID-19 USA cases

COVID-19 cases in USA recently crossed 400,000-mark. As per reports, mass vaccination campaigns have given people hope in USA, hoping to put a stop to rapid spread of cases. NBA has been focused on helping with COVID-19 cases right from start, recently speaking about letting players get vaccinated to motivate people to do same. 

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(Im credits: AP)