NBA plans to require players and staffs to wear sensor devices to trace contact

The NBA plans to unleash a feature of its communications tracking system by requiring more players and team staff to wear sensory devices during all activities organized by the team other than games starting on January 7, according to a league invitation received by ESPN.

Only people in Tier 1 and Tier 2 – names listed in the league’s safety and security plans involving certain players and staff, such as coaches – will be required to wear Kinexon SafeZone sensor devices on a team plane, team bus, during and after practice. .

Not wearing the nerves is subject to discipline, but it is not clear what the discipline might be. Players are not required to wear sensor devices during games or at hotel when traveling. The trial period for the program began on December 23 and is expected to be implemented on January 7, according to a separate league invitation received by ESPN.

The sensors do not record GPS location and will work when they get close, defined as 6 feet, to one person wearing one – a point health officials across the NBA have emphasized to allay concerns about whether each movement will be monitored. It is hoped that the proximity alarm feature on devices, operated in the bubble in Orlando, Florida, will be disabled this season.

The memo states that the sensors will record the distance of interaction with people” and other wearers, the NBA believes will assist in obtaining their review in cases of positive coronavirus cases. Such reviews will also include interviews with players and staff, as well as screening of camera images in team facilities, to better understand who might be exposed to an infected person.

A health official who is directly aware of the situation said the sensors should be very helpful in better identifying which players or staff may need to be confined in isolation.