NCAA has announced that men's and women's tournaments will be held without any fans. Only essential staff and limited family will be able to attend the tournament. Here is the statement from Mark Emmert:
The NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel recognizes the fluidity of COVID-19 and its impact on hosting events in a public space. COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in the United States, and behavioral risk mitigation strategies are the best option for slowing the spread of this disease. This is especially important because mildly symptomatic individuals can transmit COVID-19. Given these considerations, coupled with a more unfavorable outcome of COVID-19 in older adults – especially those with underlying chronic medical conditions – we recommend against sporting events open to the public. We do believe sport events can take place with only essential personnel and limited family attendance, and this protects our players, employees, and fans.
As MLB Opening Day and the NBA and NHL stretch runs approach, the coronavirus is set to continue to have a serious effect on American sports. The NCAA Tournament will begin Tuesday night in Dayton, Ohio.
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