Willie Marcial gives 'wake-up call' after suspected COVID-19 case in PBA bubble

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial hopes that the suspected COVID-19 case within the PBA bubble serves as a wake-up call to all. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Commissioner Willie Marcial believes that the surprise events that took place on Wednesday inside the PBA bubble should serve as a lesson for all as they are braving the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Wake-up call sa atin ito na huwag tayong masyadong relaxed," Marcial said in a press conference on Wednesday night at the conclusion of the doubleheader at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

The PBA community was met with a shocker earlier in the day when the league announced that a referee was tested positive for COVID-19 in the latest swab testing conducted earlier in the week.

[Related Story: PBA game official tested positive for COVID-19]

Interestingly enough, the referee tested negative in an antigen test upon arrival at his quarantine at the Athlete's Village in Capas, leading to a speculation that it may have been a "false positive".

[Related Story: Referee suspected for COVID-19 possible 'false negative' says PBA, BCDA, CDC]

While it may sound as a good news for now, Marcial reminded everyone to adhere to the quarantine rules.

"Kailangang sundin natin ang mga protocols: mask, shield, alcohol, linis ng katawan. Kailangan nating mag-ingat," he further said.

On the other hand, Alaska and Blackwater underwent swab testing on Thursday prior to their scheduled games.

Both teams requested for testing following the concern of some players about making contact with the referee, hinting that the suspected COVID-19 case was among those who officiated their game on Tuesday night.

The Elite are to take on the TNT Tropang Giga, and the Aces are to face the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters on Thursday night.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno_