The PBA training restart has been delayed tentatively until next week as the league has yet to secure the official guidelines approved by the government.

Practices were scheduled to resume on Wednesday, July 22, but they were pushed back since PBA players still have to be tested for the coronavirus before returning to the court.

The Inter-Agency Task Force already gave the PBA the go signal to hold workouts but the league still needs the joint administrative order (JAO) from the Games and Amusement Board, Department of Health, and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Under the protocols created by the PBA, players will undergo swab testing 3 days before the practice resumption.

“We just need to get the approval and we can start testing,” Marcial told Rappler in Filipino. “We need all players tested before we practice.”

The delay, though, Marcial said is not a setback for the PBA.

“We are still okay. There is no need to hit the panic button,” Marcial said.

Once training goes underway, the PBA will implement a closed circuit bubble concept that will limit players’ travels to just their houses and practice facilities.

Practices will be done in batches of only 6 persons: 4 players, 1 coach or trainer, and 1 safety officer. – Rappler.com