May 28, 2020

Players, coaches of SMC teams undergo COVID-19 test

TRUE to its thrust of taking care of the family's welfare, the three PBA ballclubs under the San Miguel Corporation umbrella were made to undergo swab testing for COVID-19.

Players and officials of Barangay Ginebra, San Miguel, and Magnolia were tested at an undisclosed hospital on Wednesday as part of the company's undertaking to test all of its 70,000 employees during this time of the pandemic.

"Yes, all of our players and coaches got tested," said San Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla. "It was alright. A bit uncomfortable but bearable. No need to get scared of."

The testing also augurs well for the SMC group especially with testing of players and team officials among the protocols the PBA is set to adopt once sports related mass gathering is finally allowed to resume under the current health crisis.

"We are doing this in phases. The success with which we can quickly test a large percentage of our employee population over the next few weeks will be a key consideration in the timelines of our overall return-to-work plan," said SMC President and COO Ramon S. Ang in a statement.

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"Currently, we are working with partner laboratories to process the tests, but once our lab is up, we expect to be able to process more tests quickly so we don't burden the system and we can take care of our employees."

Just like the SMC chief, the three San Miguel franchises have been active doing charity work as the country continues to struggle with the effects of the pandemic.

Recently, the entire Barangay Ginebra team helped repack face masks and other health equipment which were distributed through 16 hospitals nationwide.

Likewise, Mr. Ang has offered all 41 PBA personnel to undergo COVID-19 testing courtesy of SMC. (RG)