Kumambiyo ang management ng Oklahoma City Thunder at nilinaw na hindi muna nila papayagan ang mga fans sa kanilang mga home games sa pagbabalik ng NBA season simula ngayong Disyembre 22.
Una nang inanunsiyo ng Thunder noong November 10 na maaari nilang payagan ang limitadong fans sa arena basta mahigpit ang safety protocols.
Gayunman, biglang tumaas ang mga kaso ng COVID sa estado at hospitalization nitong mga nakalipas na linggo na naging dahilan ng kanilang pagbawi sa naturang plano.
“For months, we have worked in close collaboration with Chesapeake Energy Arena, the City of Oklahoma City, local health officials, and the NBA to put into place thorough health and safety measures to allow for reduced seating capacity,” bahagi ng statement ng team. “However, as we review ongoing and concerning trends in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Oklahoma, we want to exercise an abundance of caution to help control the spread of the virus in our community. Therefore, the Thunder has made the decision to begin the season without fans in the arena.”
