Major League Baseball announced they have formed a coronavirus task force to deal with any issues that may arise as the global outbreak continues to spread around the world. The league sent a memo to team officials issuing some guidance and suggestions on how to mitigate the risk of catching the virus, known as COVID-19.
One suggestion was that players avoid signing autographs for fans in the stands.
"Players avoid taking balls and pens directly from fans to sign autographs - a suggestion that will be fleshed out in training materials the league intends to send to teams - and opt against handshakes," the memo said, according to ESPN.
The suggestions could leave many fans, who traveled to Florida and Arizona to attend spring training looking to get autographs, disappointed.
The league said they will send more information to the teams in the coming days. The plan will "address proper hygiene, cleaning methods for the clubhouse and training room, and supplies that Clubs may seek to purchase."
The league said they don't plan to cancel or postpone any games. The NBA and the NHL have also said they are monitoring the situation and are working with teams and health officials to prevent the virus from spreading, especially within the locker room.
Photo: Getty Images