There Is A Surge In COVID-19 Cases, IBL Continues To Run The Competition As Planned And Is Attended By Spectators

Indonesian Basketball League (IBL)

JAKARTA – The 2022 IBL basketball season continues despite a spike in COVID-19 cases. However, strict health protocols must be observed by participants of the country's highest caste competition.

So far, the IBL has been forced to postpone three matches after the findings of cases of positive COVID-19 players and team personnel. However, there are several other matches in this second series that are still going according to plan.

"As of today, it is still as planned for the Bandung series, but we must have alternatives. Learning from the experience at IBL 2021, we must be ready for any conditions," said IBL President Director Junas Miradiarsyah in a virtual press conference Sunday, January 30.

The surge in COVID-19 cases began to disturb the holding of the second IBL 2022 series. The increase in cases of corona virus infection made the IBL postpone several matches in the Bandung series.

There are at least four games that have to take place on Saturday, January 30th. However, two of these matches had to be rescheduled as many players and personnel were infected with COVID-19.

The two matches were Pelita Jaya versus Satya Wacana Salatiga and the Indonesia Patriots against NSH Mountain Gold.

Currently, the Indonesian Patriots have not been able to enter the quarantine bubble because as many as seven of their personnel have tested positive for the corona virus. They still have to undergo further tests before joining another team in Bandung.

Previously on Saturday, IBL had postponed the match between Satria Muda Pertamina against Evos Thunder Bogor. So far there is no new schedule for the postponed matches.

"We see case by case the system, whether the individual is symptomatic or not, so there is a comprehensive policy and there is an adjustment. What we have postponed is the game. Today is still according to plan," said Junas.

In addition to continuing to hold competitions, spectators are also still allowed to come to the stadium to watch the match live. However, IBL ensures that spectators who come must meet the required medical requirements.