Hawks players, coaches and staff have participated in the NBA’s coronavirus antibody study, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The study, per ESPN, is spearheaded by a partnership between Dr. Robby Sikka of the Timberwolves and the Mayo Clinic, and is an attempt to see how many NBA players, staff and executives have developed antibodies to the coronavirus (all 30 teams are expected to participate) in an attempt to combat the disease and its spread.
It involves taking a small blood sample.
The Hawks reopened their practice facility May 11, and have thus far elected not to test asymptomatic players for the virus over concerns about what is often a 48-hour lag to receive results. Only four players can be in the facility at the time (coming in is optional), players/staff are social distancing while inside the facility and the team is checking temperatures before entry.
The NBA has been shut down since March 11 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions continue on when and how the league could finish the regular season and playoffs.
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