PBA referee inside Clark bubble tests positive for COVID-19

A PBA referee inside the league bubble in Clark, Pampanga has tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and is now considered a ‘probable case’.

Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the development and said that the game official, whose identity wasn’t revealed, was immediately transported from the Quest Hotel to the quarantine facility at the Athlete’s Village in Capas, Tarlac.

“Pagdating doon, mamayang hapon, ite-test ulit siya tapos io-observe kung anong mangyayari,” said Marcial.

All of his first and second contacts are already under strict isolation and will be retested on Saturday, October 24.

League officials disclosed that the referee is asymptomatic and has already taken four swab tests, two inside the bubble, with two yielding negative results. The said game official took the test on Monday, October 19 along with 27 others and was the only one who tested positive.

“Rest assured that the safety and security of all is our paramount concern,” wrote the league in a statement.

“Routine disinfection, wearing of masks, face shields and social physical distancing are strictly being implemented as well as an effective contact tracing procedure is in place to maintain the safety and integrity of the bubble.”

All games will continue as scheduled but stricter measures will be enforced. All leisure activities (swimming, jogging, gym, etc.) will temporarily be suspended to give way to sanitization.