Nba cautiously eyes may 8 for opening of practice facilities

NBA cautiously eyes May 8 for opening of practice facilities But whenever those practice courts open — local government clearance would be needed first in all cases — there will not be an

immediate return to normal. A person with knowledge of the league’s plans said players would have to wear face masks inside facilities (except when working out), that any staff members

present would have to wear face masks and gloves, and that a minimum distance of 12 feet would be required as a buffer between players and staff members working with them. The exception in

that 12-foot case would be when medical or athletic training personnel are in contact with players. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the details

were not publicly released. Advertisement: There are numerous other details of the league’s facility-reopening protocols, the person said, including: º Players who return to their home-team

markets from out of town will have to quarantine before being allowed back in the facility; º All equipment used by players in their voluntary workouts, including basketballs, will have to

be disinfected before being used again; º Players will not be allowed to share towels, and teams will not be permitted to make steam rooms, saunas, cold tubs, oxygen chambers, or cryotherapy

chambers at the facilities available; º Teams will have to designate a staff member as a “Facility Hygiene Officer” to oversee all new policies; º Players will have to enter the facility

alone, without family members, friends or personal security; º All cell phones, keys, and other often-touched items must be cleaned and disinfected upon entry to the facility. When teams can

reopen, other rules will include a limit of four players at a facility at any one time, no practices or scrimmages will be allowed, and no head coaches or assistant coaches can be part of

the voluntary workouts. NBA players are also still prohibited from working out at public health clubs, fitness centers, or gyms. Close Modal BOSTON.COM NEWSLETTER SIGNUP BOSTON.COM LOGO Stay

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