Following the NBA’s indefinite hiatus due to the coronavirus outbreak, more players have tested positive for the virus.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, 3 members of the Philadelphia 76ers have tested positive.
“Three members of the 76ers organization have received positive tests for coronavirus,” he wrote on Twitter.
The 76ers became the fifth team to confirm positive coronavirus cases following Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, and the Denver Nuggets.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“The Philadelphia 76ers, in consultation with medical experts and the NBA, received the recommendation that certain individuals from the organization, including players, coaches, and specific basketball operations support staff, be tested for COVID-19. The tests were secured and processed privately,” the 76ers said in a statement. “Three individuals have received positive test results for COVID-19. All other test results are currently negative. We have reported this information to state and local health authorities as required.”⠀⠀⠀⠀
The organization has decided to keep the members who tested positive confidential; therefore, at this time, it is unclear whether those who tested positive are players, coaches, or other staff members.
“The health of our players, staff, fans, and community is paramount, and we continue to be guided by medical experts at this time. We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the public health and medical communities for their tireless efforts during these challenging times, as well as to our fans and partners for their support,” the statement continued.
Members of the 76ers are expected to remain in quarantine for at least another week.
In the meantime, two members of the Lakers organization have tested positive, as well as Boston Celtics’ Marcus Smart, who announced via Twitter.
I was tested 5 days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive. Ive been self quarantined since the test, thank goodness. COVID-19 must be taken w the highest of seriousness. I know it’s a #1 priority for our nations health experts, & we must get more testing ASAP pic.twitter.com/xkijb9wlKV
— marcus smart (@smart_MS3) March 19, 2020
