Report: Teams told not to test asymptomatic players as facility reopenings near
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The NBA is still instructing teams not to test players who are asymptomatic for COVID-19 as some clubs prepare to reopen practice facilities this week, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wednesday's report echoes the instructions reportedly given to teams last week.
The NBA did inform teams of updated measures on cardiac screening for certain players ahead of voluntary workouts, according to Wojnarowski.
Team facilities in cities and states with relaxed pandemic restrictions will be allowed to open Friday pending final NBA approval. Rules limiting the number of players and staff permitted in the buildings at any one time will be in place.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver is believed to be concerned about the optics of players getting access to testing before it's widely available to the public.
"It's unfortunate we're at this position as a society where it's triage when it comes to testing," Silver said in March. "And so the fundamental issue is obviously there are insufficient tests."
The Cleveland Cavaliers plan to open their facility for voluntary workouts on Friday once the league gives its final go-ahead, according to The New York Times' Marc Stein.
Any team facility that reopens must limit occupancy to a maximum of four players at any one time, enforce a one-player-per-basket rule, and prevent head coaches, front-row assistants, and front-office staff from participating in workouts, according to Stein.