The Raptors will open their OVO Training Centre for limited use by players next week for the first time since being forced to shut its doors because of the coronavirus pandemic.
After working with government officials, infectious disease experts and the NBA, the team said Friday players who want to use the courts at the team’s practice facility will be able to do so.
The province eased restrictions Friday on all professional sports teams for so-called “soft openings” that will allow teams to monitor what their players are doing.
For the Raptors, there are strict guidelines, including:
- The court is the only area that will be used by players and coaches – locker rooms, weight rooms, medical facilities, offices and other areas of the building will remain closed;
- Though NBA guidelines allow for four players at a time in practice facilities, the Raptors will only allow one player at a time in the building;
- The player will be accompanied by one coach, with no overlap between groups;
- Staff members will wear gloves and masks at all times when in the building.