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Men’s and women’s Ivy League Tournament canceled in wake of coronavirus

By Patrick Schmidt

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 11: The Ivy League logo is displayed on chairs on the players bench during a game between the Princeton Tigers and the Pennsylvania Quakers at The Palestra during the semifinals of the Ivy League Basketball Tournament on March 11, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Princeton won 72-64 in overtime. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 11: The Ivy League logo is displayed on chairs on the players bench during a game between the Princeton Tigers and the Pennsylvania Quakers at The Palestra during the semifinals of the Ivy League Basketball Tournament on March 11, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Princeton won 72-64 in overtime. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /
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The men’s and women’s Ivy League Tournaments have been canceled due to the coronavirus. Yale and Princeton receive the automatic bids to the NCAA Tournaments.

For the last two weeks, there have growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus and how it would affect March Madness. The NCAA formed an advisory panel to determine the appropriate course of action which could lead to the games being played without fans in the stands and without media given access to the locker rooms.

The NHL, NBA and MLB have already put in place media restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Further, some universities across the nation such as Vanderbilt and Ohio State, among others, have canceled classes.

Now, the Ivy League Tournament has been canceled in the wake of the coronavirus. Yale won the regular-season title and will receive the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The women’s tournament has also been canceled. Princeton receives the automatic bid for the Women’s NCAA Tournament after winning the regular-season title.

“We understand and share the disappointment with student-athletes, coaches and fans who will not be able to participate in these tournaments,” Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris said.“Regrettably, the information and recommendations presented to us from public health authorities and medical professionals have convinced us that this is the most prudent decision.”

“Following a number of league-wide discussions throughout the last several weeks, we have decided to exercise caution in the interest of student-athletes, fans and the general community,” Harris said.

The Ivy League will issue refunds for all tickets for the tournament and fans with any questions are encouraged to contact the Harvard ticket office.

The novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease it causes, first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The virus spreads similarly to influenza, with sneezing and coughing as the primary vectors of infection. To date, more than 90,000 cases have been confirmed in more than 70 countries worldwide, including the United States. The World Health Organization declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Jan. 30 and countries have implemented curfews, travel bans and mandatory quarantines to help prevent its spread.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.

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