Unvaccinated NBA players and staff must take weekly COVID-19 test

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Unvaccinated NBA players and staff members will be required to test weekly for COVID-19, said a league memo on Tuesday.

The new policy had been developed for several weeks and it was agreed upon by the National Basketball Players Association.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is shown wearing a mask. (David E. Klutho/Sports Illustrated via Getty Image)

"It looks like we’ll be on our normal track in terms of when the season starts, in terms of our protocols around the game, particularly around the health and safety of our players," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said at the league’s Board of Governors meeting in July. "I have learned over the last two and a half years not to make any predictions when it comes to COVID, but only to say we’ll be prepared for anything that comes our way."

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers wears a face mask on the bench during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Los Angeles on Dec. 27, 2020. (John McCoy/Getty Images)

WARRIORS' ANDREW WIGGINS REGRETS GETTING COVID-19 VACCINE

Testing will not be required by vaccinated individuals unless directed by a team or league physician or by "government authority." Anyone exhibiting symptoms, regardless of vaccinations status, will have to report it and get tested. They also will have to report when someone in their household tests positive.

Facemasks will not be required but will be recommended indoors if virus levels are high in a certain area.

More than 95 percent of the league and its officials are vaccinated, and the league wants everyone to stay up to date with their vaccines.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver attends a game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles