PBA chose to postpone over holding closed-door games amid n-CoV threat

March 12 ------ Due to the continuous outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the Philippine Basketball Association has opted to postpone all activities until further notice. Events affected are the 2020 Philippine Cup, the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup, and the PBA 3x3 league. "Nag-meeting kami kahapon, tumatagal siguro mga tatlo't kalahating oras. Inano namin yung two weeks to one month na closed door," PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said in a press con Wednesday, revealing that the PBA Board considered holding games with no audience present. "Nakita na mas makakabuti na suspend muna. Inisip din yung closed door, pero sa closed door mga 300-400 na tao din ang gagalaw dun," Marcial added.

The decision to postpone ultimately came down to public safety. It was a sacrifice the league was more than willing to make, even as the newly-opened 45th season could last until the first quarter of 2020, pretty much. "Siguro dati magtatapos tayo ng Feb. Magtatapos tayo ng March, April. Depende nga sa sitwasyon natin dito sa coronavirus," Marcial said. "Hindi na namin tinitingnan kung ano impact, kung schedule o pera. Ang iniintindi muna natin yung kalagayan nating lahat. Hindi na natin tinitingnan kung ano mawawala sa amin, anong maaano namin. Ang mahalaga yung safety ng lahat," the Commissioner added.

Source: sports.abs-cbn.com