True North advises staff, visitors to stay home if ill as COVID-19 concerns grow

WINNIPEG -- The owners of the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose are telling staff and patrons, if they are sick they should stay home.

True North Sports and Entertainment released a statement on its website Monday saying it "continues to monitor the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Manitoba."

True North said the health and safety of patrons and employees is a "top priority."

"We are following the advice and best practices provided by Manitoba Health. Increased disinfection measures and more frequent cleaning during events have been implemented," the statement reads.

The company said all staff have been told if they are feeling sick they should stay home. All patrons are asked to do the same to reduce the spread of illness.

Despite the concerns, the company said at this time there is no plan to cancel any events.

"True North will continue to provide regular programming in all our venues as originally scheduled and will provide updates as necessary."

SPORTS LEAGUES TO LIMIT LOCKER ROOM ACCESS

On Monday, the Winnipeg Jets dressing room was closed-off to media, with pre and post-game interviews being held in a separate room.

This precaution against COVID-19 comes after the NHL, along with the Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer and the National Basketball Association announced locker room access would be limited.

"After consultation with infectious disease and public health experts, and given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and post-game settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice," a written statement from the NHL reads.

"We will continue to closely monitor this situation and take any further steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.”

TSN's senior hockey reporter, Frank Seravalli, tweeted that the league made the decision based on the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control.

Starting today, #NHL plans to close dressing room access to media, on recommendation of Centers for Disease Control in effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. NBA, MLB and MLS are expected to follow. Media availabilities will now be conducted in formal press conference areas.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 7, 2020

Media availabilities are now expected to be done in formal press conference areas. The NHL said media will have designated locations outside the locker rooms and clubhouses for interviews.