MILWAUKEE -- Major League Baseball has announced it will postpone opening day by at least two weeks due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
In addition, all spring training games have been suspended, a statement from MLB reads.
"Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, employees, and fans," the statement says. "MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts."
The Brewers were scheduled to kick off their 2020 season against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, March 26.
MLB joins other sports leagues in postponing events: The NBA and NHL have also put a pause on their seasons. Most NCAA events are now being held without fans.
Earlier Thursday, Gov. Tony Evers declared a public health emergency over the coronavirus pandemic at a news conference.
The declaration will direct the Department of Health Services (DHS) to use "all the resources necessary" to contain the outbreak, according to a news release from the governor's office.
“We have been working aggressively to slow the spread of COVID-19, and this declaration allows us to get the resources we need to continue to be proactive when it comes to protecting Wisconsinites,” said Gov. Evers. “It is the latest step in the work our state agencies have been doing around the clock with our health care partners to prepare for the possibility of COVID-19 becoming a global pandemic.”
The governor signed an executive order Thursday that will allow DHS to "purchase, store, or distribute appropriate medications, regardless of insurance or health coverage, as needed to respond to the emergency," the news release says.
The order also authorizes state funds to support local health departments with costs associated with isolation and quarantine - as well as the use of the Wisconsin National Guard.
“This can be a frightening time, but our state has incredible health professionals who are working to contain the spread,” Gov. Evers said. “We cannot do this alone, we need all hands on deck to protect the public from COVID-19.”
Over the last few days, Wisconsin has seen its number of active cases rise to 5. Two in Fond du Lac County, one in Waukesha County, one in Dane County, and one in Pierce County. Wisconsin also has 37 residents returning to the state from the Princess Cruise Ship, the governor's office says. Those residents may need to be self-quarantined for two weeks, the news release says.
Health officials also reiterated that residents should take simple steps to help prevent the spread of coronavirus:
- Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water.
- Covering coughs and sneezes.
- Avoiding touching your face.
- Staying home when sick.