NC prep basketball state finals are still on for now, but the coronavirus could change that
The N.C. High School Athletic Association state championships are scheduled for Saturday at N.C. State and UNC.
But there could be changes.
Due to the threat of the coronoavirus, UNC and N.C. State are extending spring breaks for students until March 22 and will then start online or remote classes March 23. Both universities are encouraging students to stay off campus.
Via email, NCHSAA spokesperson James Alverson told the Observer “at this moment, we have not spoken with our contacts at UNC and NCSU. Thus, we do not know if we have to cancel the games or if we can play— with a limited number of spectators or without spectators.”
The 1A and 3A games are expected to be played at N.C. State. The 2A and 4A games are expected to be played at UNC.
On Thursday, the NCAA announced that its Division I men’s basketball tournament would be played without fans in attendance and the GEICO national high school boys basketball tournament moved from the New York City area to Roebuck, S.C., due to coronavirus concerns. The event will be held at Dorman High School.
Cancellations, no spectators at other events
The NCAA Division III basketball tournament at Johns Hopkins in Maryland held its first and second rounds without fans this past weekend. On Sunday, the Indian Wells professional tennis tournament in California was canceled due to concerns surrounding the virus, and a major music, film and technology festival, South by Southwest in Texas, was also canceled last week.
The International Ice Hockey Federation canceled its two-week women’s world championships, scheduled to begin March 31. Chicago State University did not travel to two regularly scheduled conference games last week.
The Chinese Basketball Association suspended its season in February, but no major U.S. sports league have taken any action - yet.
The NBA has alerted teams to the possibility of playing games without fans or media. The Golden State Warriors will play without fans.
Locally, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announced steps it is taking to prevent the virus from spreading, including restricting staff travel to conferences and encouraging families to keep sick children at home.
Steps to protect yourself from coronavirus
On Monday, Tucker sent a memo to all NCHSAA member schools to address the virus. Here’s the letter, which she also sent to the Observer:
Dear Principals, Superintendents and Athletic Directors,
Each day more information is being shared by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relative to Coronavirus (COVID-19), and how it is impacting our country. Be assured that the NCHSAA is monitoring the latest information. Currently, we are planning for the State Basketball Championships, while the spring sports season is underway. At this time, there are no plans to cancel or suspend any sports.
As we prepare for the state basketball championships this weekend, and as spring sports continue, we are asking participants, game officials, staff and fans to take individual responsibility to help prevent the spread of illnesses. As recommended by CDC, the following are steps that should be taken regardless of the illness:
- Stay home when you are sick (check to see if your game is being televised or streamed)
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your cough with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (i.e. the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday “twice); especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, containing at least 60% alcohol
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, using a regular household cleaner or wipe
Please be assured that the NCHSAA is committed to the health and safety of each person who participates in our programs. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and provide necessary information as it becomes available to us.
This story was originally published March 9, 2020 at 2:47 PM with the headline "NC prep basketball state finals are still on for now, but the coronavirus could change that."
