PRESTON, England – Basketball England has taken the decision to suspend all affiliated basketball activity for an initial two-week period because of the coronavirus outbreak, the league announced Friday.
This action will include National Leagues and competitions, England national teams, Academy leagues, talent programmes including Aspire, affiliated local leagues and Basketball England education courses and will be in effect from 9 a.m. on Saturday, Mar. 14.
“We understand the decision may result in inconvenience and disappointment to players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters at a key period of the season, but it is our duty to protect everyone associated to our sport,” said Basketball England in a press release. “We are here to service all in our great game and recommend anyone involved who isn’t a BE member to follow this ruling.”
The decision has been taken in consultation with Basketball England’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Dane Vishnubala and follows careful analysis of the advice issued by the UK Government and regular BE board discussions to assess the full range of information.
It has been made in the interests of the health and safety of our members, their friends and families and the wider community.
“We believe the decision is necessary to mitigate the transmission risk posed when people gather and to assist in fighting the spread of the illness in the population,” added Basketball England.
Immediate games impacted involving Myerscough include Division 2 Men (Sat. @ Charnwood, Sun. vs. Manchester), Under-18 Men (Sat. @ Leeds), Division 2 Women (Sun. vs. Worcester) and Division 3 Men (Sun. @ Cheshire).
Wednesday’s Elite Academy Basketball League Final and Thursday’s DYNAMIK U17 English Schools Final — both in Essex — have also been postponed.
Updates will be issued on a regular basis.
Information for this report provided by Basketball England.
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