MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — In a joint statement from the NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS, professional sports teams will be closing access to locker rooms to all nonessential personnel in an abundance of caution during the coronavirus outbreak.
They said they made the decision “after consultation with infectious disease and public health experts.” The NBA, in a call with teams earlier Monday, stressed that the move, which includes the media, is not to ban reporters but to ensure the safety of players and staff in those areas.
The statement, in part, read:
“Given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and post-game settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice.