PBA bubble has 'stricter' protocols than other sports leagues, says IATF

In some ways, the PBA bubble in Clark, Pampanga has stricter protocols compared to other sports leagues that resumed action in similar setups.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Inter-Agency Task Force on Infectious and Emerging Diseases (IATF) deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon said that while other leagues served as benchmarks, the PBA also added its own rules.

He said that the protocols have to be aligned with the Joint Administrative Order signed by the Games and Amusement Board, the Department of Health, and the Philippine Sports Commission.

"Very strict and efficient ang protocols natin dito para sa safety ng players and lahat ng kasama sa bubble," Dizon said, adding that the bubble protocols are also stricter than the JAO guidelines.

Among the protocols include the non-entry of outsiders, even relatives of players and staff who reach the playoffs and finals. The NBA is more lenient in this aspect, allowing players' families and close friends in its own bubble.

Players who are on the bench also need to wear masks in the PBA bubble. Only the 13 persons on court—the players and the referees—are allowed not to wear a mask.

Testing will also be done upon the teams' arrival, and they will be quarantined in their rooms until the results come out. Prior to their arrival, they should have tested negative for COVID-19 and have undergone five days of quarantine.

Everyone inside the bubble also need to use an app for faster contact tracing and health monitoring.

Players who will leave the bubble for any reason, even family emergencies, will not be allowed to return. In the NBA bubble, players may still go back inside as long as they tested negative for COVID-19 and they undergo quarantine.

Quest Hotel, which will house the players, coaches, team staff, and the PBA, is also exclusive to the bubble for the entire duration of the Philippine Cup.

PBA teams started arriving in the bubble on Monday. Games are scheduled to begin on October 11. —MGP, GMA News