Mere hours after word came down that the IVY League would cancel its own tournaments, and the Golden State Warriors would ban fans from coming to home games for the rest of the season because of the threat of the virus, the NCAA has taken action and will bar fans from all arenas during March Maddness.
That means outside of team personnel, and close family relatives there will be no fans in attendance during college basketball's premiere tournament. A statement was released Wednesday from NCAA President Mark Emmert:
The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance.
"While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed."
Emmert even considered cancelling the tournament altogether, and that the NCAA would consider moving the Final Four out of the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
To date the virus has spread to over 1,000 cases in the United States alone -- if not more -- and more than 30 people have already perished form the disease. According to CBS News, the worldwide fatality rate is 4,000 people. While many detractors have claimed that the flu virus is even deadlier, the percentages don't add up. Coronavirus is proving to be deadlier to a smaller sample size, and it appears it has affected seniors over the age of 65 the greatest. This is a scary time for this country and the planet.
Of course it doesn't help when there is little direction from either side of the political isle in Washington D.C.
Has the talk around the disease hit a level of mass hysteria? It certainly feels that way, and one has to wonder what other events are going to get cancelled, delayed, or altered in any way. We already know the NCAA and NBA are getting involved. Even the XFL's Seattle Dragons are barring fans from their game this weekend against Los Angeles.
What's next? Major League Baseball begins its season in two weeks, and there are reports MLB is weighing its options. According to CBS Sports, teams could end up playing in different cities where the virus is less rampant, or stay at their Spring Training facilities and conduct regular season games there.
MLB is not considering cancelling regular season games at this time.
Already the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants have announced they will not play in their home ballparks this month after their respective cities put a stop to large public gatherings. Both teams are trying to find a solution and alternative site to play baseball.
Will this affect the Mets and Yankees at some point? The Yankees open the season at Baltimore in two weeks while the Mets open the season at Citi Field. Considering the grave concern for this disease, nothing would be surprising in the least if either team were to bar its fans from those contests. Anything at this point -- is possible until this disease is contained and stopped.
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