Ohio Governor: NCAA Tourney Games In State Will Be Played Without Spectators Due To Coronavirus
Mar 11, 2020, 2:03 PM | Updated: 2:51 pm
Jarvis Summers #32 of the Mississippi Rebels sits on the court in the closing seconds against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first round of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 17, 2015 in Dayton, Ohio. The Rebels defeated the Cougars 94-90. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Ohio governor Mike DeWine announced a state order regarding coronavirus concerns and stated that NCAA Tournament games in the state will be played without spectators.
DeWine’s order prohibiting mass gatherings in Ohio was announced on Wednesday, March 11.
The games affected by the coronavirus related order include the first round of the NCAA tourney.
The governor of Ohio further clarified: The state will issue an order that NCAA tournament games in Ohio, which included the First Four in Dayton, will be played without spectators.
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) March 11, 2020
“This seems difficult for people,” said DeWine. “We know what’s around the corner. Everything looks the same, but it’s really not.”
Again: No fans for NCAA tournament games in Dayton and Cleveland next week, per a state order.
“This seems difficult for people," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said. "But we know what’s coming. We know what’s around the corner. … Everything looks the same, but it’s really not.”
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) March 11, 2020
The first two games of the NCAA Tournament are scheduled to be played on March 17 and 18 in Dayton, Ohio.
Cleveland is scheduled to host tourney games on March 20 and 22.
The NCAA has yet to release an official statement regarding the games.
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 here.
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 facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.
