As the world continues to be impacted by coronavirus (Covid-19), the sports world has been, too.
New reports of the infection spreading are beginning to pop up nearly every minute, and several NFL teams aren’t taking the risk of receiving it.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced that their staff will work from home and travel for coaches and scouts that are on the road for Pro Days will be adjusted.
Below is the official statement from owner Dean Spanos:
COVID-19 is dominating the news and our thoughts. This is a dynamic situation that requires both diligence and thoughtfulness.
We have been closely monitoring the ever-changing conditions relating to COVID-19 and have been implementing recommendations from the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers, state and local health departments, medical experts at the World Health Organization and our team’s medical staff, among others.
Consistent with the National Football League office, and with the health and safety of our communities as a priority, we will require all staff except for operationally critical staff to work from home until further notice beginning tomorrow, Friday March 13. We have also significantly adjusted planned travel for coaches and scouts.
Beyond these precautions, we will continue our preparations for the 2020 season — including free agency and the NFL Draft — and continue to monitor what has become an increasingly fluid situation with developments unfolding in real time.
The health and safety of our community, players, employees and fans are our highest priority, and we will continue to make decisions in the coming days and weeks with them in mind.
The NFL does not plan to delay the start of its league year, set for 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Free agency will begin then. The NFL regular season does not begin until September, but teams are eligible to open offseason workouts on April 20.
Other sports leagues took significant action after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic Wednesday. The NBA suspended its season and the NCAA cancelled men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
