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NBA Continues to Lead the Way in Handling COVID-19

December 13, 2020, Los Angeles, California, USA: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during their preseason NBA game with the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday December 13, 2020 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Lakers defeat Clippers, 131-106. (Photo by PI/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire)

The NBA reported that only one additional positive COVID-19 test occurred since Dec. 10.

This comes after a successful finish to the 2020 season that resided in the makeshift Orlando bubble after months of suspended play.

The MLB played a significantly shortened season that ended with a player who tested positive for COVID-19 storming the field and celebrating with the rest of his team. The NFL continues to limp through the season with multiple fines and inconsistent schedule changes. But the NBA got through its 2020 season smoothly and looks to conquer 2021 as vaccines begin to roll out.

This is the third wave of testing as the season prepares for a Dec 22 debut. The first wave had a positive rate of 8.8% where with the second wave 1.5% of players tested positive.

It was later revealed Noah Vonleh was the sole player who tested positive during the third wave of testing. He was released from Chicago moments later.


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With the league at a 0.2% positive rate (1.3% below the national average) there are two different takes on how the NBA is handling the pandemic. The first is that the NBA protocols are working at a tremendous rate which is creating a safe environment for everyone involved. The second is herd immunity. At least 111 NBA players have contracted the virus on record which leaves lasting questions about long term affects about the virus on athletes.

No matter how to interpret the results, its a great sign for the NBA with the season about the kick off after suffering through the shortest offseason on record.


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