As the NBA prepares for the possibility that the coronavirus outbreak could cause games to be played without fans in the arena, the league office delivered teams a Tuesday deadline to have several precautionary measures in place, according to a memo obtained by ESPN.
The NBA — which will conduct a conference call Monday night with team doctors and trainers — is calling for teams to have an infectious disease specialist on call, a nearby testing facility for the coronavirus, and a roster of essential employees who have close physical contact with players, the memo said.
The league wants teams to make sure each has a plan for scaled-down team traveling parties too, the memo said.
The NBA is also making it mandatory for teams to distribute hand-sanitizer to players and staff members.
The NBA has already instructed players to make changes in how they interact with fans — advising no autographs or handshakes.