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Dr. Anthony Fauci outlines quick return to sports without fan attendance
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Sports have been placed on the back burner for the last month, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the everyday life in the United States. But Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, explained there is a way that athletic events can return this summer.
In an interview with Snapchat’s Peter Hamby, Fauci said that sports can return as early as the summer months under a few conditions. Those stipulations are among the ideas that have already been kicked around by sports leagues, medical experts and government officials.
“There’s a way of doing that,” Fauci said. “Nobody comes to the stadium. Put [the players] in big hotels, wherever you want to play, keep them very well surveilled. … Have them tested every single week and make sure they don’t wind up infecting each other or their family, and just let them play the season out.”
Playing games without fans in attendance has been a speculated consequence of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but having sports return in some capacity would be a welcomed change during this time.
Already, the PGA Tour has announced it plans to return to action for a tournament on June 11, but spectators will not be permitted to attend. The MLB, with the use of spring training facilities, might be the next sport to make the move.
The NBA has also been working on a return plan.
While there are obviously no guarantees with being able to return to sports, this was a promising comment from Fauci, and could be a gradual step in a return to normalcy in the United States.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB