New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry has been cleared to join the team in Orlando for the NBA's restart. Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Pelicans' Alvin Gentry cleared for NBA restart despite COVID-19 risks

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/8/20

On Wednesday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Andrew Lopez reported that New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry is cleared to travel with the club to the NBA bubble site in Orlando for the completion of the 2019-20 NBA season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Per the ESPN story, Gentry, who is 65 years old and, thus, considered a high risk for COVID-19, underwent tests to receive the go-ahead. He and the Pelicans headed to the ESPN Wild World of Sports Complex on Wednesday.

Associate head coach Jeff Bzdelik and assistant Jamelle McMillan won't make the trek.

In an update published on June 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claimed:

For example, people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s.

The CDC added:

8 out of 10 COVID-19-related deaths reported in the United States have been among adults aged 65 years and older.

Gentry was required to obtain the green light to travel from a physician because of his age. Meanwhile, 69-year-old Houston Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni is waiting to learn if he can travel with the club to Orlando on Thursday.

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