Coronavirus: No Chicago Games Til May, No Events Over 250 People

CHICAGO, L — After MLB delayed the 2020 season and canceled spring training games — along with similar action by the NHL and NBA — there's more bad news for Chicago sports fans. Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he spoke with the owners of all Chicago sports teams and they are on board with canceling all major sporting events until at least May 1 due to coronavirus fears.

The news, which came as the Illinois case count hit 32, with seven new cases since Wednesday, means the home openers for the Cubs and the White Sox may be months away. The Cubs were set to open the season March 26 at Miller Park before taking on the Pirates at home on March 30. On the South Side, the Sox were set to start the season at home March 26 against the Royals.

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Every single team owner was only interested in doing what is right for fans, the governor said Thursday evening.

Pritzker said he was also mandating that all events of 1,000 people or more be canceled or postponed immediately and recommending that all events with 250 people or more also be called off. For events under 1,000 people, Pritzker said he would not enact an official order, but said, "I'm appealing to the civic, patriotic and humanitarian character of the residents of Illinois."

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls reacted to the NBA's decision to halt the season after a player tested positive for coronavirus (that number has since grown to two players). "We fully support the NBA's decision to suspend play and are continuing to monitor this fluid situation closely," the Bulls said. "While we work with the league and develop our plans, we will provide updates to our fans, partners and ticket holders as they become available. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate this together."

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The Chicago Blackhawks simply shared the NHL's statement on the "pausing" of the season, which said, in part, "following last night's news that an NBA player has tested positive for coronavirus — and given that our leagues share so many facilities and locker rooms and it now seems likely that some member of the NHL community would test positive at some point — it is no longer appropriate to try to continue to play games at this time."

As of late Thursday, Illinois was reporting 25 cases of coronavirus in Cook, Lake and McHenry counties.

Schools not closing — for now

Pritzker said schools statewide are not closing, "but we are monitoring the situation on a day to day basis."

The March 17 primary is also still on, Pritzker said, echoing his call for voters to vote by mail if possible.

The James R. Thompson Center in Chicago will be closed to people who do not have business with the state effective Monday, the governor said, but added that his office will be open. Pritzker also urged private businesses to allow employees to telecommute if possible.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Chicago Public Schools are not yet closing but said officials continue to monitor the situation.

"We would never put our children in danger, and I say that as mayor but also as a mother," she said.

She echoed Pritker's call to limit large gatherings of 250 people or more.

"No gathering takes priority over the health of any attendee," Lightfoot said, adding some advice for all Illinois residents: "If you do not feel well, for God's sake, stay home."

Illinois coronavirus case count rises

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said there are seven new coronavirus cases in Illinois since Wednesday, bringing the total to 32 patients.

Ezike said about one-third of Illinois' cases are travel related, and about half are connected to close contact — meaning the rest are likely the result of community spread.

The new cases include:

Chicago

• A woman in her 40s
• A child

Kane County

• A man in his 70s

McHenry County

• A man in his 60s

Cook County

• Two women in their 70s
• A man in his 50s

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