In effort of curbing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that large gatherings of 50 or more people be cancelled at least through May 10.
In accordance with those guidelines, many states have additionally implemented stay-at-home orders. Schools and non-essential businesses across the country have temporarily closed down until the situation improves.
The sports world has essentially come to a halt as well, with each of the major professional leagues currently on a hiatus. Major League Baseball made the decision last month to cancel all remaining Spring Training games and indefinitely delay the start of the regular season.
Whenever play resumes — if at all — will hinge on the nation’s ability to flatten the curve. In a best-case scenario, Opening Day could take place sometime in June or perhaps July.
Los Angeles Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten reiterated the importance of social distancing in order for baseball to make a speedy return, via the club’s YouTube channel:
“Everyone who watches this needs to know that the more we social distance now, the quicker we will play games. We can all pitch in together to get games back soon.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed Kasten’s remarks and believes people should adhere to the advice of the CDC during an interview on YouTube as well:
“I think the thing is, the CDC and all these people that are a lot smarter than we are, that are trying to guide us, for us to be really proactive as a country and outside of our country, the social distancing and all the stuff has been very educational. The more serious we can take this, the sooner we can get back to doing what we love.”
With the peak of the coronavirus approaching, practicing social distancing will especially be vital in the coming days and weeks.
MLB recognized this early in the process and banned group workouts last month. Players are permitted to continue individual workouts at either their team’s Spring Training facility, regular season city or offseason home.
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