Gobert and Mitchell became the first two NBA players to test positive for coronavirusNBAE/getty images
Public health officials on Thursday informed the Celtics it is "unlikely that the two Utah Jazz players who have tested positive for coronavirus were contagious when they came into contact" with the team in their game at TD Garden last Friday, according to Adam Himmelsbach of the BOSTON GLOBE. The Celtics said they are still "exercising an abundance of caution in taking every measure to be vigilant and safe." The team added that players and staff members who were in close contact with the Jazz, or who traveled with the team on its recent two-game road trip to Indianapolis and Milwaukee, "will be self-quarantined through the weekend." During that time, all players "will be tested for coronavirus, along with staffers who came into contact with the Jazz, or those who show possible virus symptoms" (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/13). Magic CEO Alex Martins said that the team "did use the same Delta plane for its return flight from its game Tuesday in Memphis that had been used by the Jazz to fly to Oklahoma City." Martins said that he was "told by Delta that the plane had been properly disinfected by a cleaning product that kills the coronavirus before the team boarded." He added that a "number of medical experts were consulted and told the Magic that being on the plane did not constitute exposure to the virus" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 3/13). Meanwhile, in Orlando, Caroline Glenn notes the Magic on Thursday told their more than 700 part-time employees "not to report to work" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 3/13).
JUST IN CASE: In Philadelphia, Marc Narducci notes a 76ers official on Thursday confirmed that the team is "trying to arrange for players and staff to receive COVID-19 testing" after Jazz C Rudy Gobert and G Donovan Mitchell tested positive for coronavirus. The Sixers also "advised their players, coaches, and select support staff to begin a temporary self-quarantine" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 3/13).
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: In Detroit, Rod Beard notes the Pistons are "taking steps to ensure the health of their players, staff and team employees." The team on Thursday said it had "asked players, coaches, basketball staff and traveling party to self-isolate until further notice under the direction of team medical staff." A source said that Pistons players and staff "were able to get coronavirus tests as early as Thursday, but if they were not presenting with symptoms, the tests were optional." Beard notes it is "unclear how many members of the team ... were tested Thursday or how many will be tested in the coming days" (DETROIT NEWS, 3/13). A Pistons spokesperson on Thursday said that "all Pistons employees, including hourly and part-time staff who support gameday activities at [Little Caesars Arena], will be paid during the league's hiatus." The organization also will "reach out to other companies that employ staff at the arena, and are hopeful of providing financial assistance to them as well" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 3/13).
