Unwilling to get caught flat-footed by the spread of the coronavirus that has forced other sports to suspend or cancel events, Major League Baseball – along with the NBA, NHL and MLS – will close locker rooms and clubhouses to the news media and any non-essential personnel. In addition, the leagues will consider further options to protect themselves from the potential pandemic while preparing for and playing out their respective seasons.
USAToday reports the major change in media policy will go into effect on Tuesday, according to a joint statement issued Monday by the four leagues:
“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," the statement said.
— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) March 9, 2020
For now, neither the NBA nor MLB plan to postpone games nor play them without fans.
Following a conference call with all 30 owners on Monday and after receiving further information from the Centers for Disease Control, MLB determined that all media access will take place outside the clubhouse and will ask players to adopt the CDC’s recommendation of maintaining a six-foot distance from reporters.
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