PBA suspends games indefinitely due to COVID-19 threat

The PBA has cancelled all of its events until further notice amid the increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2010 (COVID-19) cases in the Philippines.

In a statement on Wednesday, the PBA said all of its activities such as the Philippine Cup, D-League Aspirants Cup, and the inaugural 3x3 tournament will all be postponed indefinitely effective March 11.

Re 2020 PBA Philippine Cup and 2020 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup games and activities and 2020 PBA 3x3 inaugurals cancellation ??#PBAat45 #PBATayoAngBida pic.twitter.com/b3QuAMULjN

— PBA (@pbaconnect) March 11, 2020

The league, which already postponed the opening of its 45th season by a week, made the decision after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency in the country.

"Considering the present situation surrounding COVID-19 and the Presidential declaration of Public Health Emergency, it is our paramount duty and responsibility to ensure the health and safety of our fans, players, teams, officials and staff," it said.

“The league, however, will assess the effects of COVID-19 on a day-to-day basis guided by the parameters set by the DOH and WHO and will remain committed to conduct its games and activities in a safe and responsible manner for all its stakeholders," the PBA added.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) earlier suspended all of their events amid the ongoing COVID-19 threat.

The Philippine Azkals' upcoming World Cup Qatar 2022/AFC Asian Cup China 2023 qualifiers was also postponed to a later date.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in the country reached 33 on Tuesday, the Department of Health said. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/MGP, GMA News