NBA players who test positive for COVID-19 will be back on the court faster than before given an update to the league’s health and safety protocol on Monday.
The most notable change: the quarantine period for players who test positive is significantly reduced for asymptomatic players who meet multiple screening standards. The period which was 10 days will now be six. NBA teams received the directive on Monday through a league note. The Associated Press obtained the document.
The note was sent the same day that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced the quarantine from 10 to five days for Americans who catch the coronavirus.
CDC leaders justified their decision by saying that there is evidence that people with COVID-19 are more likely to spread the virus the two days before symptoms develop and the three days after.
The NBA also drew on data and told the teams that the protocol development “reflects the analysis of epidemiologists and disease experts in the league during the pandemic.” The changes were made in harmony with the NBA Players Association.
The NBA has seen its number of active cases of the coronavirus increase in recent days, despite a 97% vaccination rate. Note that 65% of eligible players got their booster shot.
Stars kept away
COVID-19 continues to disrupt NBA squads.
On Monday morning, the Celtics announced the sidelining of Jayson Tatum, for their evening game in Minnesota.
Tatum is eighth in the NBA with 25.6 points per game, in 2021-22.
Dennis Schroeder, third pointer for Boston (16.3), is also on the sidelines because of protocol.
For the T-Wolves, Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Edwards are unavailable in connection with the protocol. These are the club’s top three scorers.
The trio are expected to return to the game on Tuesday, however, during a visit to the New York Knicks.
As for the Nets, the league’s leading scorer Kevin Durant will not play in Los Angeles (Clippers), nor Kyrie Irving.
The protocol also keeps away Miles Bridges (Hornets), Luka Doncic (Mavericks), John Collins and Trae Young (Hawks), Lonzo Ball (Bulls) and Dejounte Murray (Spurs), among others.
With the addition of Delon Wright, Atlanta has 11 players on the sidelines in protocol.
The Toronto Raptors are also heavily affected by the virus and its protocol.
Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Gary Trent, Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa, Khem Birch, Malachi Flynn, Isaac Bonga and Justin Champagnie were on the sidelines on Sunday in a loss to Cleveland.
Siakam, Trent and Birch are uncertain cases ahead of Tuesday against the Sixers in Toronto. They could come back to the game on this occasion.