The coronavirus has officially spread to the United States, and the NBA is trying to be proactive in urging players to do everything they can to prevent contracting the illness.
The NBA sent a memo to teams on Monday addressing some of the potential issues and concerns that have arisen in the wake of the coronavirus scare. In the memo, which was obtained by ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Adrian Wojnarowski, the league recommended that players who make contact with fans do so via fist-bump rather than high-five. Other recommendations included not taking items such as pens, balls and jerseys from fans to autograph.
The NBA and NBA Players Association have been consulting with the CDC and infectious disease experts for advice on how to handle coronavirus concerns. In addition to various sanitation tactics, the league has also discussed the possibility of limiting or cancelling international scouting events and pre-draft workouts. The memo noted that the situation with the coronavirus could “change rapidly” in the coming days and weeks.
A team medical official also told ESPN that there is a protocol in place where any player who contracts the coronavirus would be expected to miss two weeks, likely in self-quarantine like others who have tested positive for the disease in the U.S.
With coronavirus cases now confirmed in Oregon, Portland Trail Blazers star C.J. McCollum took to Twitter earlier this week to encourage fans to practice good hand-washing habits. McCollum also said he will not be signing any autographs until further notice.
The Corona Virus has officially hit Oregon. More specifically Lake Oswego…Make sure y’all washing y’all hands with soap for 20 or more seconds & covering ya mouths when you cough. I am officially taking a break from signing autographs until further notice.
Sincerely,
CJ
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 29, 2020
Boston Celtics point guard Kemba Walker said Monday that he will likely still sign autographs, but he may walk around with his own marker when doing so.
A total of six people in the United States have died after contracting the coronavirus. All of the deaths have occurred in Washington state, and at least four of the victims were elderly people living in nursing homes. There had been more than 100 cases reported nationwide as of Monday evening, with the total expected to increase.
