Toronto's Public Event Cancellation Does Not Apply To Pro Sports

Toronto has canceled all city-led and permitted events through June 30 amid the coronavirus pandemic, but that "does not apply to professional sports leagues such as the NBA, NHL, MLB or MLS," according to Don Peat, a spokesperson for Mayor John Tory. Peat said that the move "applies to events that get city permits such as parades and festivals, but not sporting events that include the Raptors, Maple Leafs, Blue Jays or Toronto FC." But at present, Ontario "already has a province-wide ban of gatherings of more than five people" in effect (ESPN.com, 3/31).

For context, the June 30 date falls after 40 previously scheduled Blue Jays home games and "would take us well beyond the previously-scheduled conclusion of the NBA and NHL playoffs (in which the Raptors and Maple Leafs were both locks)." It's the "longest a major North American city has committed to drastic, concrete social distancing guidelines" (NBCSPORTS.com, 3/31).