FIBA has decided to postpone the 3x3 Olympic Quaifying Tournament in Bengaluru, India amid the persistent threat of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19),
The governing body made the announcement Wednesday, exactly two weeks before the five-day tournament was supposed to tip off on March 18.
No new schedule has been slated yet, though FIBA wants to settle with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on a date that fits before the Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament set from Apr. 24-26 in Budapest, Hungary.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said the federation supports FIBA's decision and added that PBA players CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa will be released from their training with 3x3 stars Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol in the meantime.
"We support it as the issue on (COVID-19) is a serious one," he told ESPN5.com. "We will have to release the PBA players for now as the PBA 45th season starts this Mar. 8. We will restart our training I guess once we have an idea when the new schedule will be."
The OQT is also one of three 3x3 events postponed by FIBA, with the Asia Cup in Changsha, China moved from May 13-17 to Sep. 9-13, and with the Under-17 Asia Cup in Cyberjaya, Malaysia also rescheduled from Jun. 4-7 to Oct. 8-11.
The Under-16 Asian Championship scheduled on Apr. 5-12 in Beirut, Lebanon and the Under-16 Women's Asian Championship in Canberra, Australia from Apr. 5-10 have been moved as well.
Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, is a new strain of coronavirus that has surged around the globe in recent months. The coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory diseases. Flu is caused by a different virus. There is no vaccine for coronavirus, though researchers are working on one and hope to begin testing soon.
Older people, especially those with chronic illnesses such as heart or lung disease, are most at risk. The coronavirus spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes, though it also can be transferred from surfaces. The best way to prevent infection is by frequent hand-washing, cleaning surfaces with regular household sprays and wipes, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.