Amid an unprecedented surge in the NBA’s health and safety protocols driven by the Omicron variant, the league is amending its rules.
The NBA and NBA Players Association agreed to reduce quarantine time for vaccinated players and coaches from 10 days to six, according to a league memo obtained by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The change is based on COVID-19 data and expert research suggesting vaccinated and boosted people cycle the virus out more rapidly than those who aren’t.
To return from protocols, individuals must return two negative COVID-19 tests 24 hours apart. According to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, roughly 187 of the 200 total players who have entered health and safety protocols this season were sidelined in December.
Three Warriors starters — Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole — are currently in protocols, in addition to reserves Moses Moody and Damion Lee. The NBA’s rule change could help them see the court sooner than previously expected. All of the Warriors are vaccinated, in accordance with San Francisco’s vaccination requirement for large indoor events, but it’s unknown whether they’ve received booster shots.
Poole was the first Warrior to enter protocols on Dec. 17. Wiggins followed two days after, on Dec. 19. Green is Golden State’s most recent addition, when he entered on Dec. 26.
The day an individual tests positive is considered Day Zero, Wojnarowski explained. That would mean Green could return as early as Jan. 2 if he meets the new rule’s standards. Poole and Wiggins may be eligible to leave protocols imminently as well.
Golden State assistant coaches Mike Brown and Chris DeMarco also recently entered protocols. Later on Monday, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reduced the recommended isolation time for infected asymptomatic individuals from 10 to five days — a sign both that the NBA is legislating consistently with public health guidelines and is ahead of the curve on restrictions.
