The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced on Thursday that it has canceled all of the Men’s and Women’s 2020 basketball matches for Division I, as well as all remaining winter and spring championship games, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
“Based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities,” the NCAA said in a statement.
The decision was made by NCAA President Mark Emmert and the association’s Board of Governors.
The announcement came a day after the NCAA said it would conduct upcoming championships with only essential staff and limited family attendance.
“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,” the association said in a statement on Wednesday.
“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 the players, employees, and fans,” the NCAA said in the statement, adding that as the situation changes, adjustments will be made.
In the United States, there are at least 1,700 known cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. At least 40 deaths have been reported so far.
The illness primarily affects elderly people and those with underlying conditions. For around 80 percent of patients, the new illness resolves without medical intervention. The others require hospitalization. Some of them require intensive care.
People who become sick are asked to stay home and contact their healthcare provider or health authorities.
Ways to avoid the virus, which cases the COVID-19 disease, include frequently cleaning hands, regularly disinfecting highly-touched objects and surfaces, and avoiding sick people.
Zachary Stieber contributed to this report
