With mounting global concerns surrounding the coronavirus, the Detroit Lions are being proactive and have announced that they are suspending travel for coaches and personnel staff.
Typically this time of year, members of the Lions front office, coaching staff and scouting staff are spread out across the country attending college Pro Days — they were at Clemson’s today — but everyone is being asked to work remotely at this time.
Here is the Lions full statement:
“The Detroit Lions have been closely monitoring the global events surrounding the spread of COVID-19 and fully support the precautions being taken in response. Our organization has been in direct contact with the NFL, leading health administrators and city officials throughout this process.
“Over the past week we have asked employees to participate in a variety of proactive measures to reduce the risk of transmission at both Ford Field and the team’s training facility in Allen Park. At this time our organization has suspended travel for coaches and player personnel staff. Additionally, we have encouraged all employees, except operationally critical staff, to work remotely until further notice beginning Friday, March 13, 2020. It is imperative that we remain diligent in our responsibility to keep our players, coaches, staff members and their families safe and help slow the spread of the virus.”
Several other teams from around the league have taken a similar approach with their staff in the name of safety. NFL owner’s meetings have also been canceled and it’s fair to speculate if the opening of the league new year — set to take place next Wednesday — will also be postponed as it coincides with the NFL Free Agency period, which also requires travel for contracts, medical checks, etcetera.
Stay tuned to Lions Wire as this situation unfolds further.
