COVID-19: No basketball in PH until virus is defeated

It looks like Gilas, PBA, UAAP, and basketball fans in general will have to wait until the new coronavirus (COVID-19) has been completely “eradicated” or a new vaccine has been introduced.

According to the Philippine Sports Institute’s Framework Tool for Reintroducing Sport in a COVID-19 Environment, 5-on-5 full-contact basketball may only return once a “new normal” is reached, meaning an area has no more quarantine and virus-free.

The framework was based on the Philippine government’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF)’s own guidelines.

Under the new normal, organized tournaments and leagues may resume, including contact sports.

The framework also states that the return of sports will be a case to case basis and not linear or in general.

The PBA cancelled its 2020 season indefinitey after just one play date.

The UAAP also called off the rest of Season 82, and it looks like there shall be no tournaments opening anytime soon.