LOS ANGELES (USA): Amid concerns over the new coronavirus outbreak, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is mulling to have their matches without fans in the arena.
The World Health Organization has called the spread of the virus “deeply concerning” as it has now killed nearly 3,500 people and infected more than 100,000 across 92 nations and territories.
The NBA on Friday sent a memo to its teams telling them to start “developing” plans on how to play games with only “essential staff” in attendance should that be deemed necessary, American sports broadcaster ESPN reported.
The NBA had sent out a previous memo to teams earlier this week, recommending players to use fist-bumps instead of high-fives with fans. It also said to avoid taking items such as pens, balls and jerseys from fans to sign.
“The health and safety of our employees, teams, players and fans is paramount,” the NBA said in a statement on Monday. “We are coordinating with our teams and consulting with the CDC and infectious disease specialists on the coronavirus and continue to monitor the situation closely.”
The COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the international sporting calendar with several top international competitions from football to Formula One, golf and athletics either cancelled or has been postponed.
In Italy, the hardest-hit European country with 148 deaths from the novel coronavirus, all major sports events, including football matches, will be played behind closed doors until April 3.
Davis Cup tennis ties in Italy and Japan are being played behind closed doors this weekend.
