THE Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases has finally given basketball and football the green light to resume conditioning and practices.
This was disclosed by Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque Friday, July 3, 2020, during a press briefing, adding that protocols submitted by the Basketball Association and the Philippine Football Federation have been approved by the IATF following the recommendations of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
"Inaprubahan ng Philippine Sports Commission, Games and Amusements Board, Department of Health ang joint administrative order kung saan nakalagay ang guidelines para sa health-enhancing physical activities and sports sa panahon ng pandemya," Roque said.
"Pinayagan po yung practice and conditioning ng basketball at saka ng football sang-ayon po sa request ng PBA at ng ibang mga football associations," he added.
The IATF on July 2, 2020, has passed Resolution No.51 Section B, which stated that the decisions of the Technical Working Group were ratified, and that includes the approval of the guidelines on the conduct of health-enhancing physical activities and sports during the pandemic.
Also approved in the IATF meeting is to allow professional athletes to do practice and conditioning, subject to the minimum public health standards. “The Palace reiterates, however, that the provision is only for professional athletes for the purpose of practice and conditioning and not for those whose purpose is to play the said sports as a hobby. Conduct of non-professional, contact sports remains prohibited,” said GAB Chairman Abraham Kahlil Mitra in a message.
It was recalled that GAB earlier submitted a 59-page document to the AITF in an attempt to allow professional sports to start as long as protocols are observed.
During the presentation, GAB demonstrated four different virtual simulators containing its proposed health and safety procedures on individual workouts and games involving the PBA and PFF.