NO one is above the protocols inside the Clark bubble.
This was proven by the two Covid-19 scares—first from a referee and most recently, from a Blackwater Elite—whose false positives from a first test and negatives from two more procedures didn’t exempt them from undergoing 12 to 14 days of quarantine.
For the Elite whose identity couldn’t be revealed, he will be missing his team’s crucial elimination-round games while being isolated from the close to 400 Philippine Basketball Association entourage.
Blackwater team manager Jacob Muñez told the BusinessMirror on Monday that the protocols could be “bizarre” but admitted the confirmatory tests’ negative result on their player was a relief not only for the team but the entire league.
“We’re relieved because it came out negative but, at the same time, a little bit confused and we are still worrying since he’s alone in isolation,” said Muñez, who doesn’t expect his player to join them right away because of the quarantine procedures.
The confirmatory tests are being conducted at the Athletes’ Village at the New Clark City, a Covid-19 facility some 30 kms from the bubble.
Muñez said they “trust” the protocols established by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Clark Development Corp. under Covid-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon.
“The experts said it is still intact so I guess I am not in the right position to say it is not really effective anymore,” Muñez said. “They said it’s not breached.”
Muñez, however, noted that the referee who is also in isolation was one of the three officials who worked their game against TNT Tropang Giga last Thursday.
The PBA and Dizon stressed they are confident that the league’s bubble remains intact despite the minor setbacks.
“The PBA bubble remains intact and has not been breached. Nevertheless, we urge all participants to be extra cautious and strictly follow the protocols set for them inside the bubble,” a PBA statement said.
The Elite already played five games and are holding a 2-3 win-loss record. If the Elite won’t make the playoffs, their isolated player will no longer play in the bubble.
At least three members of the PBA entourage are out of the bubble but not because of the virus. Two players have gone home because of injuries, while a referee was banished because of a bad call.