PBA suspects referee has “false positive” result

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

After the recent round of swab-testing done to everyone participating in the PBA bubble, commissioner Willie Marcial still can’t believe the result.

One referee tested positive for COVID-19 and the PBA chief was completely surprised with the result everybody strictly following health protocols relegated by the medical team.

“Yun nga ang pinagtataka namin kasi bago siya pumasok, dalawang negative na siya tapos after five days, may self-isolation. Negative uli siya. Hindi namin alam kung paano siya naging positive kasi lahat ng kasamahan niya doon sa 28, siya lang ang naging positive. 300-plus ang nag-test, lahat negative. Doon kami medyo nagtataka. Kahit ‘yung mga doktor, nagtataka kung paano nangyari ‘yun. Pero nangyari kaya dapat sobrang ingat tayo,” said Marcial.

Moments after the referee who tested positive was brought to the Athlete’s Village, it was confirmed that he was negative in the antigen test.

However, with the ongoing results circulating in the PBA bubble, commissioner Marcial reminded everyone that it will still be vital to follow all safety protocols and double health measures.

“Sinabi ko na sa mga players, sa mga staff, referees, at table officials na wake-up call sa atin ito na wag tayo masyadong relax. Totoo naman nasa bubble tayo pero ganun pa rin. Kailangan sundin natin ‘yung protocols, mask, shield, alcohol, linis ng katawan, ganun pa rin. Palagay ko, wake-up call sa atin,” added Marcial.