The coronavirus has begun to make an impact on athletics in the United States.
According to the Associated Press, Chicago State University announced Tuesday night that it will pause its men’s and women’s basketball seasons to prioritize the “health and well-being of the campus community.”
The men’s team will not go on the road for Thursday’s game at Seattle University or Saturday’s game at Utah Valley University, while the women’s team won’t host Seattle on Thursday or Utah Valley on Saturday.
“Chicago State athletics views our decision as a reaffirmation of our commitment to the well-being, health and safety of our student athletes,” Chicago State athletic director Elliott Charles said in the statement.
The cancellations mean that the regular season is done for Chicago State. The university is evaluating whether it will compete in the Western Athletic Conference men’s and women’s basketball tournaments next week in Las Vegas. Both Chicago State programs are struggling. The men are 4-25, including 0-14 in the WAC, and haven’t won since early December. The women are 1-26, including 1-13 in the WAC.
Related content: Coronavirus Concerns Postpone College Hoops Game
Related content: Should Coronavirus Impact the Sports Calendar?
The coronavirus has been reported in more than 70 countries, infecting more than 93,000 people, including more than 3,100 deaths. All nine deaths in the United States have occurred in the state of Washington.
The increase in United States cases has led the NCAA to establish a coronavirus advisory panel. The panel will be led by NCAA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Hainline and consist of medical, public health and epidemiology experts. The role of the group is to help guide the NCAA’s response to the outbreak.
“We are actively monitoring COVID-19 in the United States and will make recommendations on competition based on the evolving medical protocols established by the CDC, NIH and state and local authorities,” Hainline said. “We are in daily contact with the CDC and are advising leadership on the Association’s response to this outbreak.”
“The NCAA is committed to conducting its championships and events in a safe and responsible manner,” NCAA chief operating officer Donald Remy said. “Today we are planning to conduct our championships as planned, however, we are evaluating the COVID-19 situation daily and will make decisions accordingly.”
Related content: NCAA Eyes Potential Tournament Impact of Outbreak
Related content: Michigan Cancels Spring Trip Over Coronavirus Fears
