Basketball ACT officials have banned handshakes and will disinfect game balls after each match as part of their precautionary methods to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus.
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The organisation sent an alert to all competitors regarding the procedures following confirmation of the ACT's first case of coronavirus on Thursday.
Officials will disinfect balls and iPads with sanitiser after each game, while handshakes and team huddles have been forbidden.
Players are encouraged to instead thank referees and acknowledge the game verbally or through an applause.
Basketball ACT have also advised players to wash their hands thoroughly before entering the stadium and urged anyone who feels unwell to remain at home.
It comes as the NBA suspended their season indefinitely after a player from the Utah Jazz tested positive to COVID-19.
Super Rugby and NRL matches will go ahead in the capital as planned this weekend, with the Canberra Raiders and ACT Brumbies both set to host matches at Canberra Stadium. However, there will be limited fan access for the Raiders' game.
Lucie Bertoldo
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
Lucie Bertoldo is a sports reporter for the Canberra Times.
