Sport across the United States and Canada was gripped by coronavirus fears on Wednesday, with the NBA suspending its season after a Utah Ja...
Sport across the United States and Canada was gripped by coronavirus fears on Wednesday, with the NBA suspending its season after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for COVID-19.
The NBA’s move followed a dramatic last-minute postponement of Utah’s scheduled game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City, league officials taking action after deliberating during the day how best to proceed in the face of the outbreak.
“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the league said. “The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”
The move came days after the Indian Wells tennis tournament in California became the first high-profile casualty of the crisis.
Mounting concern over the possible spread of COVID-19 also prompted Canadian authorities to cancel the World Figure Skating Championships, which were due to take place in Montreal from March 16-22.
The decision came after escalating anxiety about the potential for unchecked transmission of the virus amongst fans attending sporting events. Shortly after the NBA’s decision, the NHL said it would update the status of its season on Thursday.
“The National Hockey League is aware of the NBA’s decision tonight to indefinitely suspend its season due to a...
