Sharks vs. Wild to Be Played Despite Health Officials' Coronavirus Concerns

The San Jose Sharks will hold Thursday's game against the Minnesota Wild at SAP Center despite health officials calling for the cancelation of games due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to Lorenzo Reyes of USA Today, Santa Clara County (California) health officials held a press conference Thursday urging sports games and other large gatherings of people to be canceled as worries about the virus continue to spread.

However, Sharks Sports and Entertainment said the game "will go on as scheduled" despite the recommendations. The Sharks also said they will "continue to actively monitor the situation."

Reyes noted there have been 20 confirmed coronavirus cases in Santa Clara County.

"This would include Sharks games, yes," Santa Clara County Emergency Operations Center Director James Williams said when explaining the events that should be canceled or postponed, per Thy Vo of The Mercury News. "It's not just a question of Sharks games. There are many organizations that host large gatherings…we have an obligation to make this apply to everyone."

The Sharks are also scheduled to host home games against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday and Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. Following those two contests, San Jose heads on a four-game road trip and does not return home until March 19.

Greg Wyshynski of ESPN.com noted the Swiss National League has played games in front of empty stadiums because of coronavirus, while the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association postponed a tour in Japan.

"We're aware of and focused on all possibilities," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said when talking about the possibility of postponing the Stanley Cup playoffs. "But at this point it would be premature to pick any one of the possibilities, especially because it may or may not become necessary in North America."

According to CNN, the coronavirus has spread to more than 70 countries and territories and has led to the deaths of 3,200 people.