Several professional sports teams might be feeling the effects of a coronavirus surge in Florida. Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies have closed their spring…
Several professional sports teams might be feeling the effects of a coronavirus surge in Florida.
Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies have closed their spring training complex in Clearwater, after eight members of the team tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement, the Phillies confirmed five players and three staff members working at the facility contracted the coronavirus.
“The first confirmed case occurred this past Tuesday, June 16,” the statement said, adding “in addition, eight staff members have tested negative for the virus, while 12 staff members and 20 players (both major league and minor league players) living in the Clearwater area are in the process of being tested and are awaiting the results of those tests.”
“The Phillies are committed to the health and welfare of our players, coaches and staff as our highest priority,” the team’s managing partner John Middleton said in a statement, “and as a result of these confirmed tests, all facilities in Clearwater have been closed indefinitely to all players, coaches and staff and will remain closed until medical authorities are confident that the virus is under control and our facilities are disinfected.”
After the Phillies made their announcement, the Toronto Blue Jays confirmed they shut down their facilities in Dunedin – a short drive from Clearwater on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
