Virus may have US sports leagues cutting locker-room access
The NBA has told its teams that it has until Tuesday to develop a “plan to limit the number of team and arena staff … who interact with players” as part of their response strategies.
NBA teams were also told to have an arrangement with an infectious disease specialist and to find a facility that could conduct testing for COVID-19.
The NBA, in its Saturday night memo, also said teams quickly need a process to distribute hand sanitizer to all players and team staff and to ensure that supply does not run out.
The NBA also urged teams to cut team travel parties “to essential individuals only,” have team physicians join an upcoming road trip to study ways of limiting germ-exposure on the road and work with vendors — like bus companies, hotels and meal providers — to understand their cleaning practices and ensure they have minimal contact with players.
Flu hit a high-profile NBA player Saturday — but not the coronavirus. The Golden State Warriors said Stephen Curry tested positive for influenza and they started him on a treatment program.
Ushers at some NBA and NHL games have been wearing gloves at recent games to protect themselves while they interact with fans.
Tennis officials have said that upcoming events at Indian Wells, Miami and Charleston will be played with ball kids wearing gloves on the court and that they will not handle towels or drinks for players during matches.
No pro games in the U.S. have been called off yet. State officials in Florida said there were two presumptive cases of the virus in Broward County, where the Florida Panthers were facing the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.
