Under the guidance of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the league is reportedly enforcing stricter mask rules. Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

NBA to enforce stricter mask rules to prevent COVID-19 spread

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 2/2/21

On Monday evening, the NBA notched its 23rd postponement of the 2020-21 season due to reasons related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The league is responding to the health crisis by enforcing stricter mask rules on gamedays and in other situations.

ESPN's Tim Bontemps reported on Tuesday afternoon that players, coaches, and other staff members will soon be made to wear KN95 or KF94 masks when required, such as when on the bench during contests. While players exiting a game can spend a brief period in a "cooldown" area, they must wear the proper type of mask before taking a place on the bench.

The Athletic's Shams Charania added that players and other personnel who fail to comply with the new mask regulations will face penalties:

The NBA has informed its 30 teams that the league on Friday will begin program of enhanced enforcement of face mask rules during games and will impose penalties on player or staff members who fail to comply, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 2, 2021

Two weeks ago, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski wrote about the league's plan to use security personnel in midcourt areas to prevent hugs and handshakes between opposing players before and after games. Instead, interactions are to be limited to elbow or fist bumps.

The NFL installed similar health and safety guidelines during the 2020 campaign and, minus a handful of outbreaks among clubs, enjoyed a successful season that remains scheduled to finish on time with Super Bowl LV this coming Sunday.

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