Earlier we reported that Seattle Gov. Jay Inslee had restricted gatherings of more than 250 people in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, a move aimed at sports, concerts and other cultural events. A move that will directly affect the Seattle Dragons home game this weekend against the Los Angeles Wildcats.
Now, it looks like the coronavirus may be causing problems for the DC Defenders as well. The Washington D.C. Dept. of Health is recommending that events hosting 1,000 or more be cancelled. It is not a mandatory restriction, but they are asking organizers to re-consider to help contain the spread. Ultimately, it’s going to be up to Audi Field and the XFL to make the final decision so the games may still go on planned.
Now DC Dept Health recommendation to cancel mass gatherings of 1,000 or more. #coronavirus #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/TiYFj3r2W5
— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) March 11, 2020
The recommendation is in effect through March 31st, which means that this would impact two Defenders home games. The first would be this weekend against the Dallas Renegades. The second home game is set to take place two weeks later against the Tampa Bay Vipers on March 28th.
New York is also having their problems with the new virus, so don’t be surprised if we see a similar announcement that may affect the Guardians.
This information is just now coming out, so details are slim. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more on the matter.
UPDATE: Tom Sherwood of WAMU is reporting that DC Mayor Muriel Bowser is holding a press conference at 4pm and expected to declare a public emergency. This means the earlier recommendation could be trumped by the local government allowing them to ban events over 1,000 attendees.
#News. Sources say Mayor Muriel Bowser at 4 pm to declare a public “emergency” re coronavirus, allowing the government to direct defensive actions rather than recommend them. Mayor's office declined several requests for comment. @kojoshow @wcp
— Tom Sherwood (@tomsherwood) March 11, 2020
