AD Michael Alford 'fully supports' MAC Tournament response to coronavirus concern
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Central Michigan's women's basketball team will play without fans in the Mid-American Conference Tournament at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse due to coronavirus concerns.
The conference announced Tuesday the tournament will only admit credentialed institutional personnel, student-athlete family members, credentialed media, television and radio crews and official team party members.
Three confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus were reported in Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is located, on Monday.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine tweeted his recommendation of all indoor sporting events be played without spectators but outdoor events may continue as normal.
Four hours and five minutes later, the MAC closed its doors to the general public for the men's and women's basketball tournaments.
"The safety of all is our greatest concern," said MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher in the statement. "Since January, I have stated that any decision would follow the advice of state governmental officials and medical professionals. Following the feedback we received today we have taken this action which is in alignment with the recommendation of Governor DeWine."
Central Michigan Athletic Director Michael Alford said he supports the decision from the conference.
"I fully support the decision made by Commissioner Steinbrecher and the leadership of the Mid-American Conference," Alford said. "These are serious times and it is important to follow the recommendations of public health and medical officials. The health and safety of all involved is of the utmost importance."
Several schools across the country including Bowling Green, Ohio State, Purdue, Indiana, Stanford, Duke, Harvard and Princeton among others which have canceled classes or moved instruction to remote locations or online.
Central Michigan has not announced any changes to its instruction.
According to the World Health Organization, "Coronavirus are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.
"In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome."
COVID-19 is a recent infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. The new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
Common symptoms of the disease are fever, tiredness and dry cough. Other patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. In most cases, the symptoms are mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.
The Chippewas are set to open the MAC Tournament at noon on Wednesday at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse against Toledo.
