The NBA and its players union are considering changes to the league’s health and safety protocols after an announcement this week from the Centers for Disease Control, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The CDC issued a statement Thursday that “fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”
The NBA instituted strict COVID-19 protocols as the season began, limiting player interactions and where they were permitted to go socially. The virus upended the league schedule in January and February, but the NBA hasn’t been forced to postpone any games since early March.
Even so, individual players and coaches have continued to test positive, forcing many teams to juggle their lineups from night to night. Most teams have staged vaccination efforts, although players and other personnel are not required to receive the shot.
The current protocols will remain in place while negotiations continue, according to Charania.
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