The Alaska Aces and Blackwater Elite are set to undergo an RT-PCR/swab test on Thursday morning, October 22, following the PBA bubble’s first positive case.

“Blackwater and Alaska will be tested tomorrow morning as per CDC,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial told reporters in the bubble on Wednesday night, October 21.

The referee labeled as a “suspected case” officiated the game between Alaska and Blackwater on Tuesday, October 20, which saw the Aces blow out the Elite, 120-82.

The referee – who reportedly is likely to be a false positive case due to a negative antigen test result – is now in isolation at the New Clark City Athlete’s Village.

Though asymptomatic, he will comply with a mandatory 14-day quarantine in Capas, Tarlac and will be tested once again. (READ: Clark bubble safety: Is it enough?)

Eight people identified as his close contacts are also self-quarantining and will be swabbed on Saturday, October 24.

As per PBA bubble protocols, the league will not suspend games, but assured that stricter measures will be enforced such as sanitization and monitoring of players’ movements. (SCHEDULE: 2020 PBA Philippine Cup)

The PBA earlier announced that it has banned unnecessary group meetings after training sessions. – Rappler.com