UAAP volleyball set to open Feb 15 amid novel coronavirus threat

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) confirmed that the opening of its second-semester sports, including volleyball, is pushing through as scheduled on February 15, despite the threat of the novel coronavirus.

UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag stated that the league is closely monitoring the evolving situation but remains "all systems go" for the event.

This decision comes even as other leagues, such as the PBA and NCAA, have postponed some of their tournaments due to the health scare.

University of the East and University of the Philippines will launch the festivities with their men's teams facing off at 9 am followed by their women's squads at 11 am.

The men's teams of Far Eastern University and University of Santo Tomas will clash at 2 pm before their women's teams at 4 pm.

The UAAP has decided to mix up the schedule for the upcoming season, putting the spotlight on the men's games unlike in the past when its doubleheaders were always played in the morning.

Saguisag assured the public that the UAAP prioritizes the safety and health of its student-athletes, coaches, and officials.

The novel coronavirus has spread globally, with the Philippines recording confirmed cases, including one fatality, making it the first death outside of China.