The PBA announced that the referee, who was labeled as a ‘suspect case’ for COVID-19, is likely to be a false positive case after the antigen testing yielded a negative result on Wednesday, October 21.

In a joint statement made together with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the referee will continue his mandatory 14-day quarantine in the New Clark City Athlete’s Village.

He will also be subjected to another RT-PCR/swab test to confirm the negative antigen result. (READ: Clark bubble safety: Is it enough?)

“As part of the strict health protocols being enforced in the bubble, the referee was immediately extracted from his designated room immediately after being found positive on RT-PCR test,” the statement said.

“All of the 8 persons listed as the referees’ close contacts were also established and isolated within 12 hours. They will undergo another round of RT-PCR tests on Saturday, October 24.”

The PBA decided to further restrict the movement of players, officials and media inside the bubble, prohibiting unnecessary gatherings apart from team practices.

Contact tracing app StaySafe.Ph will continue monitoring the movement of persons within the bubble.

“We would like to assure the public that the integrity of the bubble has not been compromised. Protocols have not been breached,” the PBA said.

“As announced earlier, all games are allowed to continue as scheduled but with stricter measures at the Quest Hotel and Angeles University Foundation Arena.”

“The continued cooperation of all participants is key in ensuring that the resumption of PBA’s 45th Season is safe and COVID-free. We thank the fans and everyone concerned for their continued support for the PBA family.”

The PBA bubble facilities like the swimming, gym and jogging area are temporarily suspended as the decontamination process is underway. – Rappler.com