The way your Boston Celtics coverage is assembled is about to change.
The NBA notified all 30 teams that it is requiring the elimination of access to the locker rooms of anyone not considered essential team personnel, which includes all forms of print and broadcast media.
The move is a response to the growing threat of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, declared a global pandemic earlier in the day by the World Health Organization, and is just one of several such moves already taken or planned to help contain the virus’ spread.
The league considers the team’s general managers, coaching staff and other basketball support staff and players as well as team public relations staff as essential, meaning everyone else will be barred from access.
ESPN story with @WindhorstESPN on NBA's plan to shut down media's locker room access to players in wake of the coronavirus: https://t.co/Aj7BdDc6Ju
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 9, 2020
The NBA will instead provide access to players and other essential personnel in a designated area with six to eight feet of difference separating the media from all team employees and players, reports ESPN senior writer Adrian Wojnarowski.
The decision was reached in conversation with officials from the NHL and MLB, but has stopped short of barring the public from attending games so far.
That eventuality may still be on the table depending on how local and federal authorities deem the risk to be o the public, but for now fans will still be able to attend games in-person.
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