No quarantine ‘ayuda’ for now

CLARK PAMPANGA, Philippines – Delivery of essential goods in Quest Hotel has been suspended, until further notice, in light of the COVID-19 scare that momentarily paralyzed PBA bubble movement.

No entry whether it’s home-cooked meals, workout beverages or some cheat diets for players, coaches and staff from their families and team management. Also banned at the moment are deliveries from accredited fast-food chains and restaurants in Clark.

“Maybe on Monday, the deliveries would be allowed again depending on the Clark Development Corporation,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

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But at least, the players and coaches have been allowed to return to their normal routines – but with extra care and vigilance.

TNT Tropang Giga consultant Mark Dickel and assistant coach Ranidel de Ocampo took a walk with social distancing.

Behind them was Ginebra mentor Tim Cone who was jogging around.

NLEX deputy Jojo Lastimosa would drive past them at times as he roamed around the Mimosa Leisure Estate on his bike.

Life goes on in the bubble.

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Injury-hit Kevin Racal was to exit the bubble only last night, making sure he’s COVID-free before returning home to his family.

He’s scheduled to undergo surgery for his ACL tear.

For assurance, Racal and the Aces along with the entire Blackwater squad took another test Thursday, being the last squads to play before the  emergence of the suspect COVID-19 case.

Alaska also opted to undergo antigen tests, which all came out negative before their match against Rain or Shine.

A sigh of relief, and victory, for the Aces, as they escaped with a thrilling 89-88 win.

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The first and second layer contacts of the suspected case made up of seven game officials have also been tested. Their results are expected to be out this weekend.

They’re currently in strict isolation, cutting to just seven, for the meantime, the pool of PBA referees officiating the daily double-header.