MLB Issues Coronavirus Memo, Says There Are No Plans to Cancel Games

Major League Baseball does not currently plan to cancel spring training or regular-season games as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Passan reported the league handed out a memo to high-ranking baseball officials to say it was "'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.'"

Passan shared some of the guidelines MLB outlined to teams. It recommended all players get the flu vaccine and are up to date with their necessary vaccinations. Also, players should avoid using pens from fans to sign autographs or signing items handed to them from the stands.

The league also said it has formed a task force "to deal with possible complications in the coming months."

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe reported Monday the NBA had sent a memo to its teams with similar advice on how to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.

According to Wojnarowski and Lowe, the NBA has also engaged in discussions about how the outbreak might impact events leading up to the draft June 25. The league could limit access to combines and in-person workouts or cancel them altogether depending on how the situation evolves.

CNN reported the death toll from COVID-19 has already climbed higher than 3,000 people and that 90,000 cases have surfaced worldwide.

Japanese politician Seiko Hashimoto said Tuesday the country could potentially postpone the Summer Olympics in Tokyo as a result of coronavirus. A number of other sporting events across the world have either been canceled or postponed.