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NCAA Basketball Tournaments Cancelled Due To Coronavirus Concerns

Mar 12, 2020, 2:23 PM | Updated: 2:31 pm

NCAA March Madness...

A general view of a 'March Madness' logo is seen during practice before the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 20, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The NCAA announced they have canceled the upcoming NCAA basketball tournaments (both men’s and women’s) because of concerns of coronavirus also known as COVID-19.

This comes after a number of college basketball programs including Duke and Kansas announced that they canceled all sports activities until further notice.

Earlier in the week, the NCAA announced that they were going to proceed with the Tournament without fans in attendance.

Utah State and BYU were expected to participate in the tournament.

The NCAA released a statement on the cancellation of the tournament.

“This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities,” the statement read.

On Thursday, nearly every conference basketball tournament was canceled due to concerns with coronavirus. The NBA, NHL, MLS and MLB have all suspended play as well.

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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.

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NCAA Basketball Tournaments Cancelled Due To Coronavirus Concerns