By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Department of Health (DOH) is still reviewing the request of some professional sports league to resume amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Undersecretary Maria Lourdes Vergeire confirmed during a virtual press briefing that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases is still in the process of weighing in options for the return of professional basketball and football in the country.
The PBA recently passed a letter to the IATF regarding their request of allowing its players to conduct practices starting from individual training to small groups as part of their plan of a league restart.
Meanwhile, different football organizations made the same move as the PBA and are still waiting for their fate amid the ongoing pandemic.
“Sa ngayon, pinag-aaralan pa rin ng mga eksperto kung ano ang magiging rekomendasyon nila sa contact sports katulad ng basketball,” said Vergeire.
In the meantime, only outdoor, non-contact sports are allowed under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) such as jogging, walking, swimming, equestrian, skateboarding, and playing tennis.
