Monthly Archives: February 2020

Baseball, News, Paid Content

NPB: No fans, no sickies

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Not only will all Nippon Professional Baseball games between now until mid-March be closed to the public due to concern over the coronavirus outbreak, but it is going to be no picnic for those allowed to contact players.

Sankei Sports gives us a rundown of the steps others will have to take to be at the ballpark starting Saturday.

  • No one will be allowed to enter Sapporo Dome if they have a temperature of 37.5 C or more for five minutes.
  • Media members at other ballparks will be required to have examinations upon arrival. This may include screening, a questionnaire and having your temperature taken.
  • While on the road, Orix Buffaloes players will be asked to refrain from going outside.
  • The Rakuten Eagles have urged staff members to minimize contact with players.
Commentary, Paid Content

IOC to fun-sucking virus: Hold my beer

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With the new coronavirus capturing headlines around the world and causing nerves in Tokyo ahead of this summer’s Olympics, the International Olympic Committee moved on Friday to reclaim the spotlight from the contagion.

No fun allowed at torch relay

Local organizers in Tokyo fired the first shot in the campaign to put the virus in its place by reminding spectators at the torch relay that no video they might shoot after standing in the cold waiting for the runners to pass can be uploaded to social media so their friends can see it.

“That would be too much fun,” an organizing spokesman said. “It simply can’t be permitted according to the IOC rules.”

Because of the outbreak, organizers have considered downsizing the relay, a treasured living heirloom of the Olympic movement from Nazi Germany.

The rules are ostensibly to protect broadcast rights, the spokesman said.

“You think we’re going to let people have a good time at our sponsors’ expense? You want to do that? Go film the virus. It doesn’t have any sponsors to worry about.”