Major League Soccer, MLSPA Reveal ‘MLS Unites’ Platform

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Major League Soccer alongside the Major League Soccer Players Association unveiled the “MLS Unites” platform to highlight “all of the efforts that MLS players, coaches, clubs and the league are doing to address the important messages and programs taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The new platform was announced by the league on Monday, March 30.

“Bringing together our Major League Soccer community, all while staying apart, is the spirit of MLS Unites,” said Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber. “During this challenging moment in history, I know we can count on the MLS family to come together when we need each other most. Together with our fans, players, teams, and partners, we will shine a light on what can be done, and on the heroes leading the way.”

True heroes.

Thank you to all our healthcare workers for keeping our communities safe. #NationalDoctorsDay | #MLSUnites pic.twitter.com/FOIbuRueWM

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 31, 2020

• Educate and inform fans on the importance of key health and safety messaging.
• Provide some fun and engaging content featuring MLS players that will keep them connected to our fans and drive relevance during the postponement of the season.
• Showcase and celebrate community “heroes,” those who are fighting the pandemic on the frontlines.

The league also created a website dedicated to the new initiative.

MLS Season Postponed

On March 19, Major League Soccer in accordance with CDC recommendations postponed its season for an additional eight weeks.

“MLS remains focused on playing the entire 2020 season and is evaluating all options, including pushing back the end of the season and playing MLS Cup in December, as the league did prior to the 2019 season,” MLS said in a statement.

The league originally put a pause on play on March 12 due to coronavirus concerns. League play was originally halted for 30 days.

Coronavirus Resources

• Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.
• What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
• What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
• Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
• The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
• Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.