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PBA players entering the league bubble will be screened weekly as part of the strict protocols to be upheld throughout the two-month Philippine Cup.
Dr. Raúl Canlas, head of the league’s medical committee that will oversee the implementation of health guidelines within the bubble at Clark Freeport, said Wednesday after a meeting with team managers and health officials from the 12 member clubs.
The Base Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) of President and CEO Vince Dizon, assured the league that it will bear the cost of the swab testing procedures to be performed on players and other league personnel.
Initially, the league planned to test players every 14 days, but now it has reduced the testing period to every seven days.
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However, Canlas added that COVID-19 testing could be done as often as twice a week if the Department of Health (DoH) approves the antigen procedure.
“Antigen tests will be done every three days and are 80 percent sensitive,” Canlas said in an interview with the PBA’s official website.
Antigen test results are posted in 15 to 30 minutes.
During the same meeting, Canlas also assured teams of a safe environment within the bubble, especially if everyone does their part to follow all health protocols.
“If we keep the bubble, I think there is nothing to worry about,” emphasized the renowned orthopedic surgeon.
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Canlas reminded health officials and team personnel to always monitor the condition of players and team members once inside the bubble. They are instructed to report to the PBA medical committee any player or person who may manifest symptoms of COVID-19.
In asymptomatic cases, Canlas said the player or person should have two negative RT-PCR tests within 24 hours. In the event that the two tests do not match, the patient will continue to be held in isolation and will be forced to take a third test 24 hours later.
A negative result and no signs of symptoms means that the player will be able to play again.
