Report: NBA adds antibody testing to protocols

Since dead coronavirus cells can be detected in COVID-19 testing, it could
lead to a positive result that would force a player to sit out for an extended
period. A previously-conducted antibody test would help reveal if a player is
not necessarily asymptomatic but has already recovered from the virus.

According to the report, the NBA is worried about false positive tests for
players, especially among star players, as the season reaches the playoffs.
The league has convened 22 teams in central Florida to each play eight
regular-season games, leading into a 16-team playoffs.

The resumption of play begins July 30 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
when the Utah Jazz take on the New Orleans Pelicans, followed by the Los
Angeles Lakers against the Los Angeles Clippers.

According to the memo, there are four steps in order to complete before
returning to a team.

First, a total of 14 days needs to pass from a first positive test or the end
of virus symptoms. Second, a player needs two negative tests in a 24-hour
period. The third stipulation is that a player needs to have a positive
antibody test within the last 30 days, and the final requirement is for a
negative rapid coronavirus test before having close, physical contact with
others.

The steps were reportedly reviewed by an infectious disease expert and
epidemiologist working with the NBA and the league's players' association.

--Field Level Media