By WAYLON GALVEZ
PBA two-time MVP James Yap of Rain or Shine, who is vacationing in Italy, is now uncertain whether he can return to the country on Jan. 15 or not due to travel restrictions imposed by some European countries.
“Malalaman ko sa January 15… flight ko na kasi yun e. pero matagal pa naman,” said Yap on Sunday.
Owned by the families of Raymund Yu and Terry Que, Rain or Shine is expected to start training late this month in preparation for the the 46th PBA Season on April 9.
Yap returned to Italy in Milano Marittima two days before Christmas for the Holidays with partner Michela Cazzola and their four-year-old son Michael James and two-year-old daughter Francesca Michelle.
Yap said the government of Italy is imposing a lockdown and that authorities have suspended travels, particularly crossing from one region to another in hopes to contain the spread of the new virus strain.
He said that in Milano Marittima, which is located in the province of Ravenna, residents are not allowed to go out, that is why they spent the New Year celebration and Christmas Day in the Cazzola residence.
“Bahay lang kami, di naman kami lumalabas kasi bawal,” he said.
Yap was in Italy from early June up to an extended time in late September with family. He was supposed to return in the middle of August but was forced to stay in Italy because of closed borders.
While the threat of transmission is more serious with the new COVID-19 strain, Yap said he is not too worried.
“Basta sunod lang palagi sa health potocols, huwag magpabaya, wear mask and (face) shield, alcohol and disinfect, practice physical distancing… basta sunod at iwas pa din,” said Yap.
