PRACTICES and training of professional sports teams including those in the PBA are expected to come at a halt again after President Duterte put the National Capital Region under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
Metro Manila will be back on MECQ from August 4 to 18 upon the recommendation of Health Secretary Francisco Duque, who heeded the call of the medical sector due to the rising cases of coronavirus infections in the country.
Although no official word has been made by the professional leagues, the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force will definitely be a step back in their bid to return to training.
The Joint Administrative Order (JAO) of the Department of Health, Games and Amusements Board, and the Philippine Sports Commission clearly states that pro athletes can only train solo or individually in MECQ areas, and that practices by multiple players are only allowed in moderate (GCQ, MGCQ with modifiers) and low risks areas (MGCQ).

Only non-contact sports and activities such as biking, running, and jogging with minimum health standards are allowed in MECQ areas.
The PBA was already planning to resume practice for its 12 teams in mid-August after all players, coaches, and staff complete their swab testing.
The JAO guidelines also said that professional sports may be held already under low risk or MGCQ areas but with strict health standards all participants will follow during the games.
The league will also decide later this month on whether it will cancel or push through with its the 2020 season, the decision of which will be determined based on the COVID-19 situation in the country.
Training will also be affected in the Philippines Football League, and other combat sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts, and muay thai.
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