As the sports world continues to monitor and take action in response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Los Angeles Dodgers are evaluating their options and possible changes moving forward.
Spring Training historically is a time for fans to gain close access to players and receive autographs and photos. At Camelback Ranch, fans line the walkways players use when going to and from workouts.
Although other professional leagues have already taken drastic measures, MLB reportedly does not plan to cancel Spring Training or regular-season games at present time. They did issue a memo that outlines health and sanitary suggestions.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers have a doctor scheduled to visit the clubhouse on Friday in order to educate players about preemptive actions for the coronavirus. President and CEO Stan Kasten additionally noted the team is examining how to best move forward, including at Dodger Stadium, according to Rowan Kavner of Dodger Insider:
“We’re not completely clear yet on what is best, but we get new information every day,” Kasten said. “We all are operating with the same information. None of it’s great news, but they have stressed also that this is not a time to be panicking. So, we are in the process of finalizing what kind of procedures we’ll be doing going forward.”
Kasten said the Dodgers will do everything they can to keep Dodger Stadium sanitized “as rigorously as possible.”
“This is nothing to be taken lightly, but I think — I’ve been told by the professionals — if we do the common sense things, we will get through it,” Kasten said.
One reasonable step the Dodgers could take is limiting interactions between players and fans. While it would cut into the Camelback Ranch experience, health understandably must take priority.
Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency after a California man died after falling ill with coronavirus while on a cruise. The virus has been reported in 12 counties in California.
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