As coronavirus concerns sweep the nation, Major League Baseball announced they will follow the lead of the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League by limiting clubhouse access to players and essential team staff members.
“After consultation with infectious disease and public health experts, and given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and post-game settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice,” the professional sports leagues said in a joint statement.
“Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting. These temporary changes will be effective beginning with [Tuesday’s] games and practices. We will continue to closely monitor this situation and take any further steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.”
While MLB currently has no plans to cancel or postpone games because of the coronavirus outbreak, the league is advising players to limit interactions with fans for the time being.
“The health and safety of everyone in our communities is of the utmost importance to us,” MLB said after holding a conference call with all 30 teams.
“We have been engaging on an ongoing basis with a wide range of public health experts, infectious disease specialists, and governmental agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to obtain the latest information.
“We are regularly conveying the guidance from these experts to Clubs, players, and staff regarding prevention, good hygiene practices and the latest recommendations related to travel. We are continuing to monitor developments and will adjust as necessary.
“While MLB recognizes the fluidity of this rapidly evolving situation, our current intention is to play Spring Training and regular season games as scheduled.
“On a temporary basis, effective on Tuesday, only players and essential personnel may enter locker rooms and clubhouses at MLB facilities. In a joint step with other professional sports leagues, we are requiring that Clubs relocate media availabilities to another area in their facilities.
“Clubs will be expected to provide best efforts in facilitating usual media coverage and access to uniformed personnel and team officials in these alternate settings. Access for and coverage by the BBWAA and all media are vital to our game and we hope to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
“We appreciate the media’s cooperation with this temporary step, which is being taken out of an abundance of caution for the best interests of all.”
Los Angeles Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten revealed that the organization is in the process of a finalizing a plan in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
A doctor visited the Dodgers clubhouse last week to educate players about preemptive actions for the coronavirus. Kasten also noted the team will do everything in its power to keep Dodger Stadium sanitized at all times.
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