Inslee: Shutting down sports events in WA due to coronavirus is possible
Mar 4, 2020, 1:10 PM | Updated: 4:04 pm
The spread of the coronavirus in Washington hasn’t yet had a big impact on sports in the state, but comments Wednesday from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signaled that could change.
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When asked on Seattle’s Morning News on KIRO Radio 97.3 FM if the state would start closures of public events and schools, Inslee said it is something being looked at and that sports events would be part of the first step.
“We are starting to consider that and have been now for some period of time,” Inslee said. “So what we are doing is evaluating the legal requirements that are involved in making a decision like that and we are socializing people to the possibility of that.
“… It would be a hierarchy of things – the first thing would be to legally prohibit gatherings over a certain number. That can be done by the emergency powers by the governor in statute. To talk about things that are not necessary in our lives, meaning entertainment and sports and political gatherings, I suppose, that are not intrinsic to our economy or our education. … This is something that’s under consideration and we’re going to make the right decision at the right time.”
The Seattle Mariners, who are set to begin the MLB regular season on March 26 with a seven-game homestand, sent out a statement Wednesday that they “fully expect to play baseball” on opening day and have not been advised by public health officials to postpone or cancel any games.
“The health and well-being of our fans and employees is our top priority,” the statement reads. “We are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with local public health authorities. Right now, local public health officials are not advising the postponement or cancellation of public events. We fully expect to play baseball at T-Mobile Park beginning March 26.
“We will continue to follow guidance from public health authorities and our medical staff to provide training and resources to safeguard the health and well-being of our staff and provide a safe and sanitary facility for the start of the season in four weeks.”
While the state isn’t currently imposing limits on gatherings, the Seattle University men’s and women’s basketball teams announced canceled games Wednesday due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The decisions to not travel to Seattle were made by the Redhawks’ opponents, Chicago State University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City, who were scheduled to play Seattle U on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
“We respect Chicago State and Kansas City’s decisions and understand their concerns,” Seattle University said in a statement. “We share a commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our communities, fans and all who attend university-sponsored events. Seattle University is actively monitoring and responding to this rapidly evolving situation and continuing to follow the guidance of public health agencies and make decisions based on the most up-to-date information available. There has been no recommendation to suspend campus operations, including athletic contests, or restrict travel in the United States at this time.”
For more on Inslee’s interview with Seattle Morning News, click here.
