COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Crew SC have games scheduled at home this week, and with fears of the spread of coronavirus, the NHL and MLS have both made changes to locker room access, to prevent its spread.
In a joint statement Monday, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the National Hockey League, and the National Basketball Association all made the move to close access to locker rooms to only players and essential staff. Media access will be granted in designated 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. Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting.''
The new policy goes into effect Tuesday. Locally, the Blue Jackets host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena this Thursday, and then host the Nashville Predators this Saturday.
Columbus Crew SC hosts Real Salt Lake at Mapfre Stadium this Saturday.
(photo courtesy Getty Images)