Spring Training is rolling out to prepare for the upcoming baseball season and MLB teams are preparing for more than just games.
The MLB is passing down a list of suggestions for dealing with the emerging coronavirus outbreak.
From a memo ESPN was able to obtain, Commissioner Rob Manfred and the league are telling teams to follow these actions:
- 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.
- Teams open lines of communication with the local public-health authority.
- Front offices consult a local infectious-disease specialist who can serve as a conduit to health officials.
- Medical personnel ensure all players have received the 2019-20 flu vaccine and are up to date on other vaccinations.
Other precautions include limiting the access for members of the media that have visited high-risk areas like China, Iran, Italy and South Korea in the last two weeks.
Currently, the MLB says it has no current plans to cancel or delay Spring Training or regular season games