The four Talk ‘N Text players feared to have been positive of COVID-19, as well as the entire TNT and Terrafirma teams, are set to undergo second confirmatory tests today in an effort by the PBA to ensure the safety of everyone in the league.
The four TNT players and their close contacts have been placed in isolation after last Monday’s test.
All Terrafirma players and their staff have also been isolated because they are considered close contacts following their game on opening day last July 16 (Friday), although they (Dyip and their staff) tested negative.
Still, the PBA would not want to leave things to chance, as both teams will have to undergo two more tests—today and on seventh day in isolation which happens to be on Friday— under the government-approved Health and Safety Protocols.
“We follow government-approved protocols. Basta confirmed positive 10 days isolation,” said league commissioner Willie Marcial.
“We also have additional tests for those without symptoms for the rest of the two teams kahit negative naman sila on the 5th and 7th day (in isolation),” added Marcial.
As this has been the situation, the elimination round could go a little longer than the league’s targeted time frame to finish because of the postponed games.
The elims started last July 16 and is set to end on August 27.
Marcial said postponed games would be played after the last playing day.
Two games that involve TNT and Terrafirma had already been postponed after last Monday’s tests showed four TNT players need to be confirmed whether they are positive of the dreaded virus.
The isolation period usually lasts 14 days, but under the league’s Health and Safety Protocols, it is shorter at 10 days.
This means TNT and Terrafirma will not be playing within that period, and that their scheduled games against respective rivals would be postponed.
For instance, the Dyip are supposed to meet Rain or Shine on Friday but the league has postponed it, reducing the three-game sked to a mere double-header featuring Barangay Ginebra and Blackwater in the 3 p.m. first tussle and San Miguel Beer and NLEX in the 6 p.m. main game.
The Tropang Giga’s game against Meralco on Saturday has also been postponed.
Games Friday
(Ynares Arena, Pasig City)
3 p.m. — Ginebra vs. Blackwater
6 p.m. — San Miguel vs. NLEX
