MLB officials would not publicly address contingency plans for the London Series if the coronavirus spreadsGETTY IMAGES
MLB has "yet to establish coronavirus-related policy or travel restrictions," but indications are the Cubs-Cardinals series in London in June is a "subject of internal discussion as MLB plots a course of action ahead of the regular season," according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Cubs Exec VP & GM Jed Hoyer said, "This entire situation is fluid. Things are changing not week to week but day to day. I think that right now, there's probably some acceptance that we're on standby for changes, be it schedule or travel." Wittenmyer notes Hoyer "wouldn't specifically address the scheduled series in London" on June 13-14. Additionally, neither Hoyer nor other MLB officials "would address hypothetical situations" should the coronavirus spread beyond the known clusters and cases (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 3/4).
STATUS QUO FOR NOW: ESPN.com's Jeff Passan reported MLB "does not presently plan to cancel or postpone spring training or regular-season games ... but has established an internal task force to deal with possible complications in the coming months." A league memo sent out yesterday outlining "suggested preparations for teams" recommended that players "avoid taking balls and pens directly from fans to sign autographs ... and opt against handshakes." Other recommendations: Teams "open lines of communication with the local public-health authority," while team medical personnel "ensure all players have received the 2019-20 flu vaccine and are up to date on other vaccinations." It also asks front offices to "consult a local infectious-disease specialist who can serve as a conduit to health officials." The memo states the league currently is "developing recommendations to mitigate the spread of coronavirus at ballparks" that "address proper hygiene, cleaning methods for the clubhouse and training room, and supplies that Clubs may seek to purchase." MLB "expects to inform teams of the plan later this week" (ESPN.com, 3/3).
