NBA players have entered the isolation period at Disney World ahead of the league's July 30 relaunch.
The new season tips off with the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans. They'll isolate in their hotel rooms until they receive two negative COVID-19 tests that are at least 24 hours apart.
Many players are documenting their experiences on social media and some have shared photos of lovely views and elaborate in-room setups.
The challenge that the NBA faces is trying to create a safe environment for players while also pushing to resume play. Daily testing and maintaining the integrity of the bubble is complicated by the fact that Disney World is located in Florida, which had large spikes in positive COVID-19 cases.
“During the required quarantine period when teams first arrive to the NBA Campus at Orlando, meals are delivered directly to hotel rooms," NBA spokesperson Michael Bass said. "After clearing quarantine, players will also have access to various restaurants on campus and delivery options to choose from ... There is never a shortage of food options – players can always request additional food by speaking with their team nutritionists.”
Major League Soccer also has a player bubble and kicked off its season, but has already had two teams pull out over positive cases.
The bubble is meant to protect players from COVID-19.
LeBron James tweeted that he'd "[j]ust left the crib to head to the bubble. S--- felt like I’m headed to do a bid man! Fr. Hated to leave the #JamesGang."
Being in the bubble will involve isolation, daily COVID-19 testing , and maintaining social distancing and wearing a mask.
It's an unusual situation but it's the new normal.
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