Editor's note: With overwhelming consistency, research has shown vaccinations against COVID-19 are safe and effective. Residents of Canada who are looking to learn more about vaccines, or the country's pandemic response, can find up-to-date information on Canada's public health website.
Beginning Dec. 17, NBA players who have not received a booster COVID-19 dose will be subject to game day testing, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.
Charania adds that team personnel who have yet to receive their booster shot by Dec. 17 will no longer be permitted to interact with players, travel with the team or continue participating with Tier 1 clearance.
The NBA has raised the level of urgency regarding getting booster shots against the coronavirus, telling players and coaches it is no longer advisable to wait before receiving the additional dose.
With positivity rates rising in many areas of the country, and with the rate of COVID-19 community transmission in most NBA markets considered by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to be "high" or "substantial," the league and union felt the additional urgency is now warranted. The NBA has seen an increased positivity rate among vaccinated players, team staff and family members of late, which is consistent with the trends in many places around the nation.
At least 17 players have entered the NBA's health and safety protocols since the start of the season. Philadelphia's Joel Embiid and Milwaukee's Khris Middleton are among the biggest names who have missed significant playing time while dealing with the coronavirus.
-- With files from the Associated Press.
