NBA eyeing rapid testing as possible solution for return to play

The NBA is hoping to return to play this season, and some of their hopes may center around rapid testing.

According to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, the NBA owners and players’ association are focusing on rapid testing for COVID-19 as something that could allow them to more safely return to action.

Abbott Laboratories has already developed rapid testing that is being sent around the country. The tests, which are FDA approved, can help diagnose a positive COVID-19 test in under 15 minutes.

Having the ability to mass test the public — and do so quickly — would be a big step towards allowing people to return to work. Just knowing whether you have the virus or not would help us isolate those who are sick from those who are not.

The NBA is concerned about matters such as false negatives from the testing, as well as making sure they are not taking tests away from those who are higher-priority cases, such as health workers and public workers. But the league has serious concerns about how much money they are losing, and they want to find an answer to their looming financial issues.

The NBA led the way in society by closing down their institution at the first sign of a player testing positive, so they are unlikely to be overly aggressive in a return. They would probably only do so knowing the have a plan in place that addresses everything, such as what to do if someone tests positive for the virus.