SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The NBA has suspended the 2019-20 season due to coronavirus concerns after a Utah Jazz player “preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19.”

The league released a statement saying that it “is suspending play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Breaking News: The NBA has suspended the season. Details below pic.twitter.com/6lAcBT0VQV

— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) March 12, 2020

The league’s suspension of play came shortly after it postponed a game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, March 11.

Seconds before starting the game between Utah and OKC, NBA officials brought Jazz head coach Quin Snyder and Thunder head coach Billy Donovan together at mid-court for a discussion. After the conversation, both teams exited the court.

A minute later, the officiating crew also left the hardwood.

Shortly before the game was scheduled to begin, the Jazz ruled starting center Rudy Gobert out of the lineup with an undisclosed illness.

Rudy & Emmanuel have both been ruled out (illness) for tonight's game.

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 11, 2020

Coronavirus Resources

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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.