Professional Sports Leagues limit locker room access amid COVID-19 concerns

The Coronavirus referred to as "COVID-19" continues to be a menace in many parts of the world. Whether it's shutting down major cities, limiting popular conventions or downsizing crowds at major sporting events, the threat of COVID-19 looms large on a global scale.

In an effort to combat the spread of the disease the four major North American sports leagues announced they are limiting locker room access to players and essential staff.

Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS), National Basketball Association (NBA), and National Hockey League (NHL) released a joint statement Monday.

The statement reads as follows:

"Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Hockey League (NHL) today issued the following joint statement: “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 temporary changes will be effective beginning with tomorrow’s games and practices. “We will continue to closely monitor this situation and take any further steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.”

I'll be covering events in both the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer this week and I look forward to bringing you my observations.

If you have any questions about COVID-19 click here for more information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.