NBA Prepares Coronavirus Strategy: Fist-Bumps Not High-Fives

The spread of the coronavirus continues to be headline news around the world and it appears that sporting events are now very much in the throes of strategic planning against the illness.

As part of the NBA’s official strategy to deal with the virus players have been advised to opt for fist-bumps over high-fives when it comes to interaction with fans. 

Players have also been advised to avoid taking items such as balls, jerseys and pens to autograph, according to a memo passed to teams in recent days.

The memo states;

“The coronavirus remains a situation with the potential to change rapidly. The health and safety of our employees, teams, players and fans is paramount. We are coordinating with our teams and consulting with the CDC and infectious disease specialists on the coronavirus and continue to monitor the situation closely’.

Around the world major sporting events have been disrupted by the coronavirus with a number of soccer matches in Italy, Switzerland and elsewhere have been postponed and the Formula One grand prix in China has been moved from it’s April 19th spot, similarly Moto GP events in Qatar and Thailand were canceled.

There is growing concern about the Tokyo Olympics which are due to take place in July and August, and the close proximity to the Chinese epicenter of the virus may lead to the event being canceled to moved.

The MLB is in a ‘wait and see’ phase with spring training now in full swing but in Japan baseball matches are going ahead in empty stadiums.