MANILA, Philippines — In deference to the authorities, PBA coaches are willing to wait some more as to when they could safely return to practice and hopefully play actual games.
The PBA was forced to call a “timeout” on next week’s targetted return after President Duterte reverted Metro Manila to the stricter modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until Aug. 18.
Based on the IATF’s Joint Administrative Order (JAO) signed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Department of Health and Games and Amusements Board, PBA squads can do physical conditioning and non-contact strength training on batches of five in general community quarantine (GCQ) level or moderate risk areas.
“It’s for the safety of everyone,” TNT KaTropa coach Bong Ravena told The STAR. “We just have to follow the experts, our doctors, nurses, frontliners.”
Meralco mentor Norman Black said he’s leaving it to the discretion of the government and the PBA.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to work but I think we just have to trust our leaders and follow their direction. I’m sure they have everybody’s best interest in mind,” he said.
Following the change in quarantine level, the pro league has also put on hold its mandatory pre-training swab testing for all the teams scheduled Aug. 6 and 7.
“We’re set for swab test and small group practice right after the test but there are things beyond our control. Grabe ang taas ng cases (Therer’s a spike in COVID cases),” said Phoenix coach Louie Alas.
“Let’s wait for things to improve under MECQ. Safety for everyone first,” he added.