There Is No Mandatory COVID-19 Test For NBA Players Who Are Fully Vaccinated

NBA illustration (Twitter @ATLHawks)

JAKARTA - The United States Basketball League (NBA) has informed all teams that players and coaches who have received full vaccinations are not required to undergo regular COVID-19 tests this season.

An exception to this policy occurs when a player or coach shows general symptoms related to the coronavirus or is exposed to an unvaccinated player who tests positive for COVID-19.

Those who have not been fully vaccinated will also need to be tested during training or travel, and will likely be tested twice on match day. They must also wear masks while in team facilities and during travel.

As reported by Antara, Additionally, everyone, regardless of vaccination status, is expected to have an antibody test before the season begins "to identify individuals with an immune response to vaccination", the NBA said.

However, it has not been decided whether players need to be tested for antibodies today, according to the basketball league.

Players, vaccinated or not, who test positive will be asked to self-isolate immediately. It is likely the isolation will last for 10 days if the test results are finally confirmed positive.

Teams are also required to arrange seating in almost all situations, on travel, at meals, meetings, even locker room settings, to ensure that players who have not been fully vaccinated do not sit directly next to other players.

Earlier this week, in response to local regulations in New York and San Francisco, the NBA asked all teams to vaccinate, unless for medical or religious reasons.

The NBA said visiting teams would be exempt from that requirement in both cities, but that the rules would still apply to the home team, meaning the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Golden State Warriors.

The NBA has also notified all teams that anyone working within 15 feet or 4.5 meters of players, coaches, and referees this season must be fully vaccinated.

NBA referees who will lead the course of the game this season are also required to be fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the training camp started on September 28.