PBA ensures delegation security, gambling appointments continue at AUF

Games for the PBA Philippines Cup will continue at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center, with the league prioritizing the well-being of all within the bubble.

The PBA assured that everything is under control even when a game official was quarantined in the Athletes’ Village in Capas, Tarlac, despite being asymptomatic.

Interestingly, the referee had a negative antigen test result upon arriving at the sprawling facility that was originally built to host the 30th SEA Games.

Not surprisingly, the suspicious case report caused a ripple effect among teams, with security discussions serving as the top agenda in private group conversations.

Alaska and Blackwater also requested a new swab test. The two teams are scheduled to undergo the procedure Thursday morning.

Under strict measures, Wednesday’s doubleheader went off without a hitch.

NLEX hit NorthPort, 102-88, while Barangay Ginebra San Miguel eased Phoenix Super LPG’s job, 86-71.

Unless there are sudden announcements, league leader TNT will face Blackwater at 4 p.m. followed by Rain or Shine against Alaska at 6:45 p.m. Thursday at AUF.

“There is a strict protocol and it has not been violated. All risks are being evaluated by the PBA medical team, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), and the Department of Health (DOH), ”the PBA said in a statement.

“All games can continue with even stricter measures that are already in place within the bubble and during games,” the league added, adding that activities within Clark, namely swimming, gymnastics and jogging, among others, they were temporarily suspended to make way for sanitation.

Rest assured that everyone’s safety and security is our primary concern. Routine disinfection, the use of masks, face shields, and social / physical distancing are being strictly enforced, as well as an effective contact tracing procedure in place to maintain the safety and integrity of the bubble, ”said the PBA. .

Read: Case ‘suspicious’ a wake-up call – Marcial

The referee had tested negative on his previous four tests before and during his entry into the bubble. He is scheduled to be retested while being placed under close observation, while those with whom he came in contact, including those present during Tuesday’s games, will be tested Saturday, the PBA said.

Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro said the referee was scheduled to undergo a confirmation test yesterday, but will still have to undergo a 14-day quarantine if the test results are negative.

Castro added that eight referees will temporarily work all games for the rest of the weekend, until their teammates receive negative test results.

If the games go forward, TNT is looking to stretch its undefeated start to five games against a Blackwater team that absorbed a 120-98 loss to Alaska on Tuesday, the most lopsided result on the bubble.

Rain or Shine, also perfect, is seeking victory number 4, but is wary of an Alaskan team expected to enter the contest at the top of its Blackwater game.