A fan wears a protective mask as people wait in line to attend the ‘Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant’ memorial service at Staples Center on February 24, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Lakers NBA star Kobe Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed along with seven others in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on January 26.
Traveling around the nation and playing in venues full of people leaves athletes in situations where they could pick up a cold or something worse.
In an effort to protect their players from the coronavirus, the NBA has issued a memo with some tips on how to avoid coming down with an infection.
For one, handshakes are out, reports ESPN. Instead, the b-ball stars should fist-bump. Don't share items like pens, balls, and jerseys while signing autographs either.
The league doesn't plan to cancel games, travel, or other related events, but they reveal that they are working with the CDC and infectious disease specialists to monitor the situation.
