As the coronavirus continues to be front and center around the United States and the world, the governing body of collegiate athletics says the NCAA basketball tournament is expected to happen as scheduled.
In a statement released on Friday, the organization basically said the situation is fluid right now but that they aren’t expecting any preclusions.
The NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel recognizes the fluidity of COVID-19 and its impact on hosting events in a public space. The panel members believe that we need to better understand COVID-19 while continuing to work with local, state and federal health authorities such as the CDC. The key is for all stakeholders and athletes to practice risk mitigation at all events. At present the panel is not recommending cancellation or public spacing of athletic and related events scheduled to occur in public spaces across the United States.
NCAA release
The COVID-19 Advisory Panel includes six doctors from institutions around the U.S. and the senior director of the U.S. Tennis Association.
In sum, March Madness is expected to go off as originally scheduled as of now. But things can change.
Hat tip to Andy Katz