The Chicago Bulls organization, like the rest of the NBA, may be looking to take a proactive approach to mitigate the risk for exposure to COVID-19.
Here’s a look at how the Chicago Bulls and the rest of the league are reacting in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock over the past month, it’s difficult imagine you’ve not heard the news of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Aside of news media outlets, sports broadcasters during live games have made mention of how the league is preparing to mitigate the risk for exposure.
Among the ideas floating around is that the league may plan to limit locker room access and organize games in empty arenas.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made his position on the latter publicly known this week.
The 3-time NBA champion has gone on the record, saying “I play for the fans; that’s what it’s all about.”
“If I show up to the arena and there ain’t no fans there, I ain’t playing,” James said.
Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum took to Twitter last week, issuing his personal response to the novel coronavirus.
Check it out:
The Corona Virus has officially hit Oregon. More specifically Lake Oswego...Make sure y’all washing y’all hands with soap for 20 or more seconds & covering ya mouths when you cough. I am officially taking a break from signing autographs until further notice.
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) February 29, 2020
Sincerely,
CJ
The league is expected to host a conference call Wednesday, March 11, to discuss novel coronavirus strategy with team owners. As such, it remains unclear how the league will respond–at least for now.
With the way the novel coronavirus is spreading, it should be common sense to not attend games, if you are exhibiting symptoms and/or have contact with an affected person. The problem is those exposed to novel coronavirus may not develop symptoms right away, which complicates the issue.
It also doesn’t help the way novel coronavirus concerns are having a trickle down effect to the economy. It begs question of what length will certain businesses and industries go to make a profit.
As it’s widely reported, stores across the country are selling out of disinfectants and cleaning supplies in such a quick fashion they cannot keep up with the demand.
The NBA is not exempt from the economic impacts rippling across the country in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak. After all, the league is a business. Keeping people in the seats is the name of the game.
But how far will the league go to keep people in attendance at games?
The Bulls are the 15th-most, in-demand NBA team this season, according to information provided by the online ticket marketplace Vivid Seats. The average cost of a ticket sold throughout the Bulls’ 2019-2020 season is currently $77. This figure amounted to $63 last season.
Some may argue the COVID-19 outbreak is overblown to a certain degree. For most people, as long as you practice good hygiene, you will be fine.
Reporting with @WindhorstESPN: NBA is planning to limit locker room access to only players and essential team personnel in wake of coronavirus. Teams are also instructed to create a 6-to-8 foot distance between players and media in availability sessions outside locker rooms.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 9, 2020
While the news media is doing its best to keep people informed of the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s also adding to some of the fear and panic to a certain degree. The hope is that the country will pull together realizing how little value there is placing profits over people.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.