Memo: NBA players should avoid high-fives, autographs to avoid spread of coronavirus
Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox and a number of other players were seen signing autographs and high-fiving fans as they came off the court after pregame warmups prior to Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Golden 1 Center.
Players might curtail those practices in the days and weeks ahead based on recommendations handed down by NBA medical experts in response to the recent outbreak of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. Players are being advised to offer fist bumps instead of high-fives and avoid taking items such as balls and jerseys to autograph for fans, according to a memo obtained Monday by The Sacramento Bee.
NBA Director of Sports Medicine John DiFiori and NBA Players Association Chief Medical Officer Joe Rogowski issued the memo to the league office, general managers, team physicians and athletic trainers.
“The health and safety of NBA players, coaches, staff and fans is paramount,” DiFiori and Rogowski stated in the memo, which was first reported by ESPN. “The NBA and Players Association are closely monitoring this situation.”
DiFiori and Rogowski informed teams they are consulting with infectious disease experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Dr. David Ho, a world-renowned infectious disease researcher at Columbia University. They are also in regular communication with team medical staffs and other professional sports leagues.
“We are writing to let you know about these efforts and to provide you with information about the outbreak, answers to common questions, and recommendations that you can follow to better prevent yourself and your family from being exposed to the coronavirus,” the memo says.
The document includes information about the coronavirus, noting it is spread similarly to the flu through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes; close person-to-person contact with an infected individual; and touching of an infected surface. The memo states that the coronavirus outbreak has the potential to change rapidly, adding that NBA and NBAPA officials will continue to work with experts to provide up-to-date information and recommendations.
Six people have died from the coronavirus since Saturday in Washington state. No other deaths have been reported in the United States.
Most patients will experience mild symptoms, including a cough, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, but a small percentage develop more severe symptoms which can be fatal, particularly among the elderly and people with other medical complications.
In the memo, DiFiori and Rogowski offer several recommendations, including:
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
▪ For the time being, when interacting with fans and strangers, avoid high-fiving and offer fist bumps instead.
▪ For the time being, avoid taking items (pens, markers, balls, jerseys, etc.) from fans to sign autographs.
▪ Wash or sanitize your hands before eating.
▪ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
▪ Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
▪ Make sure you are up to date with all routine vaccinations, including the flu vaccine.
▪ Stay home and seek medical treatment when you are sick.
▪ Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; if you don’t have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow instead of your hand.
▪ Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
This story was originally published March 2, 2020 at 5:47 PM.
