US LEAGUES TAKE FIRST STEP AGAINST COVID-19

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The NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS have jointly taken a first step to combat the spread of the latest Coronavirus, the COVID-19.

They jointly announced Monday that access to locker rooms and clubhouses during games and practices is to be strictly limited.

Until further notice only players and essential team employees will be allowed into these facilities.

The leagues said in their statement that they had made the decision “after consultations with infectious disease and public health experts”

They stressed that the move was not meant to ban reporters and promotional personal, but to ensure the safety of players and staff.

It comes after reports that of the 110,000 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and 3,800 deaths worldwide, 500 of them with 21 deaths have now been reported in the United States.

Restricts follow Indian Wells cancelation

It followed the cancellation of the India Wells Master and Indian Wells Open tennis tournaments which were scheduled to start in Californian on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

In full, the statement from the pro basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer leagues read: “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.

“Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting. These changes will be effective beginning with tomorrow’s (Tuesday) games and practices.

“We will continue to closely monitor this situation and take any further steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.”

Meanwhile in Italy, which of all western nations has been the hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus, all sporting events have been suspended.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has approved the decision of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) to suspend ALL sporting events in the country until April 3

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No more red zones

All sport had already been required to take place behind closed doors until April but CONI announced the new measures on Monday following a significant increase in cases.

In confirming that CONI’s decision would be implemented, the prime minister confirmed that the suspension of Serie A soccer and all sporting events would now be extended throughout the nation. Previously it had only been restricted in specific so-called “red zones”.

With a total of 9,172 Italians now infected as of Monday, all public gatherings other than for work have also been banned

“There is no more time. The numbers tell us there is a significant increase in the contagion, in intensive care and deaths,” Conte said in a news conference.

“Our habits have to change. “We must sacrifice something for the good of all in Italy. This is why we will adopt even more stringent measures.

“I will sign the new decree, which can be summed up with the phrase ‘I am staying at home’. There are no more red zones; there is now just a one Italy that needs to be protected.”