The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, in a joint memo on the coronavirus, tell players for the time being to avoid top fans – punches were recommended – and to take items such as pens, markers, basketballs and fan jerseys for signing autographs.
Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum Tweeted Saturday that he was taking a break from signing autographs until further notice.
“The health and safety of NBA players, coaches, staff and supporters is paramount,” said the NBA and NBPA in the memo issued on Sunday. “We are consulting experts in infectious diseases, including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and … a world-renowned researcher in infectious diseases at Columbia University. We are also in regular communication with each other, NBA teams, including team doctors and sports coaches, other professional sports leagues and of course, many of you. “
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The memo explained what coronavirus is, how it spreads, detailed the symptoms and provided an update on the current situation in the United States and best practices for reducing the risk of contracting the coronavirus.
The memo says the league “coordinates its responses with the teams, focusing on prevention measures recommended by the CDC, local public health agencies, and the team’s infectious disease consultants.”
The league asked players to ask their team doctor if they had any further questions, and also provided emails and cell phone numbers to the NBPA chief medical officer and director of sports medicine. of the NBA.
The league will continue to share information with teams and players.
Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt
