Disclosures: Jose L. Rios Russo, MD, ATC: No financial relationships or conflicts of interest

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to return to sports via strict measures, such as ‘bubble’ formats. We describe the protocol developed to control viral spread and its effectiveness during a professional basketball tournament carried out at an isolated single site.

Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Descriptive and Epidemiological Study.Setting : Isolated single site (hotel).Participants : Over 250 elite basketball athletes and tournament personnel.

Interventions: Weekly polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 tests before and during tournament; quarantine periods before and during tournament.

Main Outcome Measures: Number of positive PCR COVID-19 cases.

Results: 10 professional basketball teams underwent an independently organized pre-tournament quarantine for 2-4 weeks. All athletes and personnel required 2 negative PCR COVID-19 tests; one pre-tournament, and another after arrival to the isolated tournament site before using facilities. Further PCR tests occurred on a weekly basis. Exposure and/or leaving the single site boundaries led to a 10-day quarantine. Imaging and medical referrals were coordinated before opening hours and personal protective equipment (PPE) was required to avoid exposure and isolation upon return to tournament site. PCR tests were supervised by laboratory personnel and the department of health. 17 positive PCR tests were reported during the pre-tournament quarantine, leading to an extended quarantine and negative PCR test prior to entering the tournament site. Athletes with positive results underwent electrocardiogram and echocardiogram. 1 athlete had a positive PCR test during the isolation period upon entry to tournament site, but subsequent tests were negative, suggesting a false positive. 10 athletes exited the tournament site to play in an international tournament and were isolated for 6 days upon return; all tested negative on subsequent PCR tests. Overall, zero ‘true’ PCR tests were detected at tournament site out of over 250 athletes and personnel.Conclusions: Well-established restrictive protocols with frequent testing can be effective to prevent COVID-19 outbreak.

Level of Evidence: Level IV

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PM&R Meeting Abstracts - https://pmrjabstracts.org/abstract/implementation-of-a-successful-covid-19-protocol-during-a-professional-basketball-tournament-at-an-isolated-single-site/