NORFOLK, Va. — Ahead of the 2020 MEAC Basketball Tournament, Norfolk city leaders say there's no need to worry but they will be taking extra health precautions.
The MEAC tournament returns to Norfolk just as coronavirus cases start to spread to different states across the country. Among sanitation and hygiene tips, health leaders recommend staying away from large groups of people. So, what about a basketball tournament?
MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas told the Greensboro News & Record that the city and conference has a plan to take extra precautions, including increasing sanitation stations inside and outside of Scope Arena.
Norfolk spokesperson Lori Crouch said fans and teams don't need to worry, as the city is used to hosting events the size of the MEAC Tournament and already emphasizes the cleanliness of facilities.
RELATED: VERIFY: Hand sanitizer can protect against coronavirus, but not as well as washing your hands
There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia, but patients have been diagnosed in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida - all states with MEAC schools.
It’s not crazy to ask about the status of March basketball tournaments. In other parts of the world with higher numbers of coronavirus cases, sporting events are being canceled or changed. In Italy last week, two soccer teams played their match in an empty stadium to prevent the spread of the virus. Fans could hear the players' voices on TV.
SevenVenues spokesperson Ma'rie Hodges said there are always hand sanitizing stations at every SevenVenues property.
"Our top priority is always the health and safety of our patrons and staff. SevenVenues encourages staff who are not feeling well to stay home and advises patrons who are ill not to attend our events," Hodges wrote in a statement.
In addition to pointing out the daily cleaning schedule, Hodges said, "SevenVenues is in daily contact with the City of Norfolk and will provide updates as necessary."
Crouch said the city is prepared for the tournament and is monitoring the situation.
The 2020 MEAC Basketball Tournament starts next Tuesday and ends on Saturday. \