The Los Angeles Clippers had a bit of a situation on their hands after eight members of the team's support staff were forced to quarantine following a positive COVID-19 test stemming from a New Year's Eve event.
No players or coaches tested positive, but a team source told Joe Vardon of The Athletic the situation was “unfortunate.”
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said he could not comment much on the incident because he was not present at the event. However, Lue alluded to the uncertainty regarding COVID-19 and why it is so essential to take precautions:
“I’m not really sure what happened because I wasn’t there, or I wouldn’t be able to coach the game tonight,” Lue said, via Vardon. “This coronavirus is so sensitive, you can touch a doorknob and get coronavirus. We don’t really know how it happened. The most important thing is everyone’s feeling well and feeling safe.”
The “touch a doorknob” bit is slightly misguided, as various studies have said the notion merely touching objects can lead to virus contraction is a myth, unless consistent facial contact is made without sanitation.
However, there is something to be said for the apparent lack of mask wearing. The original ESPN story reported mask wearing at the event in question was somewhat sporadic. Considering the event was indoors — held in a suite at the team hotel — there would have been more potential for exposure.
Lue is glad most of the members of the staff are feeling healthy, and he likely hopes his players are that much more cautious and judicious with respect to their off-court engagements and interactions.
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