The NBA has posted its temporary media guidelines during the coronavirus outbreak.

The NBA is planning to limit locker room access to only player and essential team personnel in response to the coronavirus. Teams will create a six to eight foot distance between players and media in availability sessions outside locker rooms.

The NBA, MLS, NHL and MLB released the following joint statement:

“After consultation with infectious disease and public health experts, and given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and post-game settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice.  Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting.  These temporary changes will be effective beginning with tomorrow’s games and practices.

“We will continue to closely monitor this situation and take any further steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.”

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The NBA has already sent multiple memos to teams to prepare contingency plans in case they need to play games without fans in attendance due to the ongoing coronavirus. Teams have also been asked to identify “essential staff” to be present for such games if the need arises.

Soccer and basketball games in Europe have been played without fans in recent days.

Among the NBA’s short-term recommendations to teams in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, players should utilize fist-bumps over high-fives with fans and avoid taking items such as pens, balls and jerseys to autograph.

Furthermore, there are larger concerns being addressed in NBA front offices and the league office. The possibility that pre-draft combines, on-site workouts and international scouting events could become more limited in scope are a possibility.