Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 3) — The Philippine Basketball Association has assured that safety measures will be observed when the league begins its 45th season on Sunday amid the coronavirus outbreak.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said the venues that will host the games for the Philippine Cup are required to provide medical supplies such as thermometer scan, hand sanitizer, or alcohol to ensure the public safety.
“Yes, we’ve already discussed that the (supplies) will be provided at the venues,” Marcial said in Filipino. “That’s a big thing because we all know Filipinos are careful when it comes to their health,” he added.
The PBA has already been affected by the coronavirus outbreak, moving the opening of the new season for a week.
Marcial said the one-week delay could push the ending of the 45th season as late as February next year.
To date, there have been 90,000 people infected across 73 countries and territories, according to the World Health Organization.
The six-peat seeking San Miguel Beermen and Magnolia Hotshots will kick off the new season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
