There are currently 6 cases of COVID-19 at Walt Disney World, all are linked to the FC Dallas delegation. Those MLS athletes are in quarantine at their Disney Resort hotel.
The current MLS situation, combined with the fact that Orlando was just declared a hot spot, has many in the NBA extremely worried. The biggest issue being, many of the Walt Disney World cast members who will be cleaning hotel rooms, preparing meals and providing other services for NBA players will be commuting from some of the hottest coronavirus infection zones in greater Orlando.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, their analysis shows that of the 20 Central Florida zip codes with the most Disney workers represented by union Unite Here, half rank in the region’s top 30 zip codes for confirmed COVID-19 cases. More than 8,600 Disney workers live in those zip code areas.
The entire foundation of the NBA even coming to Disney World, was built on Disney being one of the only places where the league could create a controlled, “bubble” environment. But what’s the point of a “bubble,” when several hundred other people are still going in and out of it?
Despite this literal hole in the NBA’s bubble, Players and staff have very strict guidelines to follow. They will undergo multiple virus tests and near constant health monitoring. They’re also being ordered to follow strict social distancing guidelines and wear masks when off the court.
Cast Members also have vigorous protocols in place. They will be required to undergo health screenings and temperature checks, wear protective gear and social distance from each other. Cast Members are strictly prohibited from coming into contact with NBA personnel.
However, according to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney and the Florida Department of Health are still working out a testing protocol.
Dr Raul Pino, an Orange County Officer, told the news outlet that the health department is in talks with Disney about opening a drive-through style virus test site nearby. This testing site would be for Walt Disney World Cast Members. He went on to say, “We’re working on the details because it also cannot tax our resources for the community.”
An NBA spokesman, confirmed to the Orlando Sentinel that the league is working with Disney on testing “a subset of their employees.”
The NBA’s bubble league has undergone increased scrutiny in recent days as COVID-19 cases have spiked in Florida, with skepticism over whether the NBA can actually resume the season safely at Disney World.
NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, remains confident in the NBA bubble and has said it was designed precisely to protect those inside from these kinds outside factors.
At the end of the day, this “bubble” is costing the NBA $1.5 million per day. Totaling over $150 million for the entire 3 months.
Source: Orlando Sentinel
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