IATF OKs PBA’s request to start Season 46

The government’s COVID-19 task force has allowed the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to hold its 46th season slated to begin on Friday, Malacañang said.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) gave the go signal on Thursday, said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

“This, however, is subject to the strict compliance of the health and safety protocols as provided for under the guidelines of the Games and Amusement Board,” he said.

Games and Amusements Board chair Baham Mitra earlier said the games would be held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City under a “closed-circuit, semi-bubble setup.”

"There will be no fans. That is what is provided under IATF guidelines since not a lot of people are vaccinated yet," Mitra said. "There will be a maximum of 100 people [per game].”

Roque said the IATF also approved the request of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation to host the 21st Asian Seniors Women’s Volleyball Championship in August following health and safety protocols.—AOL, GMA News