JUST IN | Resumption of games in PBA, pro leagues recommended; MPBL, other semi-pros not allowed until vaccine is available   

MEMBERS from various sports organizations, including the Philippine Basketball Association, met with the Department of Health, the Games and Amusement Board and the Philippine Sports Commission, which created a Joint Administrative Order on Thursday to discuss certain protocols to be followed in the resumption of training for professional and semi-pro leagues.

Atty. Melvin Mendoza represented the PBA as league commissioner Willie Marcial was in another meeting.   

In the joint administrative order by GAB, PSC and DoH, the following general guidelines were recommended:

1. Contact sports and activities for non-professional sports are not allowed at any time, until an effective vaccine and established standard of care is put in place for COVID-19 cases.

2. Contact sports and activities for professional sports are allowed in low risk areas, provided that the minimum public health standards are observed at all times.               

Under the 4Ps framework (person/participants, public/private location, physical environment and participation), the NCR, whose most municipalities are under the General Community Quarantine or under Moderate Risks Area, can have a maximum participants of five people attending the training. They are allowed to conduct training in a private or public place.

Unless the NCR is put on high risk or will return to Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), games of the PBA and other pro leagues can resume, but might do it behind closed door or in just one secured area until such time an effective vaccine or appropriated standard of care for COVID-19 cases is developed.
       
On resumption of live audience, non-professional events such as tournaments, competitive events, and athletic meets shall not be permitted. Professional sporting events may be allowed in low-risk areas, provided such events are compliant to the minimum public health standards.

This developed as the PBA is set to meet with the coaches of 12 participating teams on Friday afternoon. Immediately after the meeting, Commissioner Marcial will gather the rest of the board members regarding their plans to resume training and eventually, the games.