There's been no word on whether or not the 2019-20 season will resume, but the Toronto Raptors are starting to prepare in the event that it does.
The Raptors will allow limited player access to their OVO Athletic Centre beginning the week of May 11th, the team said in a press release.
The team and MLSE will continue to work with local government and public health authorities on the matter.
According to the release, these strict guidelines have been put in place to ensure safety for all involved:
- Access is intended to allow players time on court for activities, such as shooting, that generally cannot be done at home. Players have weights and other workout equipment at their homes for additional conditioning.
- The court is the only area that will be used by players and coaches – locker rooms, weight rooms, medical facilities, offices and other areas of the building will remain closed.
- Though NBA guidelines allow for four players at a time in practice facilities, the Raptors have determined at this time we will have just one player at a time in our building.
- The player will be accompanied by one coach. There will be no overlap between groups.
- Staff members will wear gloves and masks at all times when in the building. Players will wear masks at all times except when on court.
- A thorough cleaning of all spaces and equipment, including basketballs, will take place before and after each player uses the building.
- Symptom and temperature checks will be done by team medical staff before anyone enters the facility.
- There will be no media, public, or general staff access to the building, and security will be in place outside the facility to ensure physical distancing and the safety of everyone on site.
Toronto currently holds a 46-18 record with 18 games remaining in their season.
The team was riding a four-game winning streak after defeating the Utah Jazz 101-92 back on March 9th.
The NBA suspended the season on Thursday, May 12th due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
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