13:03 PM
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association have agreed on new health and safety protocols that will shorten the timetable for players to return to play after a positive COVID-19 test, according to league sources.
Previously, players could be cleared from protocols after seven days if testing data showed that their cycle threshold was over 35, but the new protocols would allow players to return after five days if their levels are over 30.
A level of 30 is considered fainter than a level of 20.
The move should help replenish rosters that have been decimated by the omicron variant. 260 players have entered the NBA's health and safety protocols so far this season, including 243 in December. In December, nine head coaches entered protocols and 11 games were postponed.
