NBA
(Photo : Reuters)

The National Basketball Association (NBA) told the players in its recent memorandum to avoid high-fives and not to take any items from their fans amidst the growing concern of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Coronavirus has infected almost all parts of the world. It is now one of the global health concerns in countries affected by the infectious virus.

In the growing concern of the deadly virus, the National Basketball Association decided to take some precautionary measures to control the spread of coronavirus.

According to the Associated Press, the memorandum was released to all teams on Sunday. There were 10 recommendations in the memorandum and it includes not taking pens, markers, jerseys, and balls from autograph seekers in the hope to decrease the risk of contracting the virus.

Moreover, the NBA also told the teams that they are working and consulting with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and other experts of the infectious disease including researchers at Columbia University in New York.

Furthermore, the league wrote in its memo: "We are also in regular communication with each other, NBA teams including team physicians and athletic trainers, other professional sports leagues, and of course, many of you."

It was also stated in the memorandum that the NBA continues to coordinate with the leading experts about the virus and physicians of each team to keep them up-to-date information and recommends some practices to avoid the spread of the virus.

Few of the recommendations of the NBA at the moment is to avoid contact with sick people, stay at home if players are not feeling well, and to clean and disinfect their facilities. Players were also reminded to update their regular vaccine and that includes the flu vaccine.

NBA players immediately paid attention after they were informed by their organization about the memorandum. However, some players seem not to express support over the released memorandum.

CJ McCollum of Portland Trailblazers tweeted that he is taking the matter seriously. He also told his fans that in the meantime he will take a break in taking autographs until further notice is given to them. McCollum clarified on Monday that they just need to be careful.

The player said: "Obviously it's affecting people, especially people who are displaying weaker immune systems and people over 60. You've got to check yourself and wash your hands, try to reduce contact with outsiders and outside germs." 

However, for Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, he said that he was not necessarily worried about it and not thinking to avoid high-fives. Butler added "I'm still going to be who I am. We're still going to be who we are."

It is believed that the memorandum was released following the death of six individuals from Washington due to the coronavirus. At present, the virus has caused the death of more than 3,000 individuals around the world and has infected more than 89,000.