Fans breathed a sigh of relief as the PBA Blackwater player earlier reported to have tested positive in an RT-PCR test, is now reported to have yielded a negative result after being tested again today.
As per the PBA bubble protocol, the said player underwent an antigen and another RT-PCR test Monday morning – both of which generated negative results.
In a statement released on Sunday, October 25, PBA Medical Consultant Dr. Jose Canlas revealed that the Elite Cager who tested positive “has been immediately isolated, as well as his close contacts.”
This prompted the PBA to postpone the game between Rain or Shine and Blackwater, originally scheduled Saturday at 4pm.
This is the second case of a ‘false positive” incident inside the PBA bubble, with a referee also experiencing the same testing positive in his RT-PCR test, only to be ‘declared negative on the presence of COVID-19 virus’ after undergoing antigen testing.
Despite testing negative, Dr. Canlas says both the referee and the player will need to complete their recommended days in isolation, before they will be allowed to re-enter the PBA bubble. After the isolation, they both need to undergo another RT-PCR test before going back to work.
Aside from the referee and the player, the Blackwater team and TNT team, whom the Elite Cagers faced on Thursday, October 22, are also in isolation, while waiting for the results of their RT-PCR tests.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president Vince Dizon continue to remain confident as they assured everyone everyone that the bubble remains intact.
“There is no reason to say that the bubble has been breached. The protocols have been followed,” says Dizon.
Meanwhile, Dr. Canlas urged all the people inside the bubble to “strictly follow protocols, and be extra careful inside – to wear masks, practice social distancing, and constantly wash hands as these have been proven to be the most effective anti-virus practices.”