The NBA has released a memo to all teams regarding its coronavirus testing procedures for the resumption of the 2019-20 season, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps. Testing for players and staff going to Orlando will begin June 23. They will also conduct tests every other day.
Furthermore, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the NBA will now be able to conduct tests on asymptomatic players and staff thanks to the increase in testing capacity and revised guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
The NBA has informed teams that they are now able to conduct coronavirus testing of asymptomatic players/staff given increase in testing and revised CDC guidelines, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 14, 2020
In addition to its more solidified testing procedures, the NBA is also looking to fund a Yale School of Public Health study that could eventually provide rapid testing to the general public in the near future:
Sources: The NBA is seeking to fund a Yale School of Public Health study that will support validation of saliva-based coronavirus test and could further availability of cost-effective/noninvasive/rapid test to the general population. https://t.co/XwUbsOeETk
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 14, 2020
The NBA recently approved a 22-team format to continue the 2019-20 regular season to determine the final lineup for the 2020 postseason. However, not everybody is on board with going to Orlando to continue playing basketball. Some are expressing concerns about health risks brought about by COVID-19 and the possibility of suffering a major injury.
While some are expressing health concerns, others are reportedly not willing to come back given the current state of affairs in the United States. The Black Lives Matter movement has led to many peaceful protests and rallies all over the nation as people continue their fight against racism. This comes after the murder of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American murdered in police custody in Minneapolis.
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has been a leading voice among players questioning the season restart. Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard has come out in support of Irving's sentiments, while Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell and Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony also have some doubts about returning.