The National Basketball Players Association has addressed the recent spike in coronavirus cases in Florida — the location of the Orlando bubble that is slated to host the remainder of the NBA season.

The NBPA held a virtual town hall to discuss the rising cases, and executive director Michelle Roberts sent out an official statement about the matter, saying this recent development is something they have anticipated and have prepared for:

“Can't say I am surprised, given the state's approach to reopening,” Roberts stated, via Baxter Holmes and Zach Lowe of ESPN. “We are obviously clearly monitoring the situation. While we take some solace in knowing our players will not travel commercially to get to Orlando, that access to the campus is severely limited and, of course, all of the other health and safety protocols in place, the numbers will keep our attention. If necessary to add further restrictions respecting those third parties having access to the campus, we will seek to implement them.”

By “third parties,” Roberts is referring to Disney World employees, who reportedly will not be subject to coronavirus testing. These staffers are those who will be servicing the hotels where teams will be staying at, and it is indeed a valid concern that they might be potential carriers of the virus — a matter that was raised by some players during the town hall.

Roberts confirmed that the NBPA is looking at this issue, and they are still studying how to best address it. One “mitigating factor” is that many of the new cases are in areas other than Orlando, but this still needs to be monitored closely.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also addressed the spike in cases in Florida. The commissioner acknowledged the issue at hand, but also reiterated the NBA's intention to follow through with its plans to return and finish out the season.