MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS issued a joint statement on Monday to say that "all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice."
NHL, NBA, MLB and MLS announce locker rooms and clubhouses closed to non-essential personnel because of coronavirus concerns. pic.twitter.com/p7dE4rTL2F
- Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) March 9, 2020
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the league has discussed a number of contingency plans in the works following a conference call between MLB and its ownership on Monday.
As far as media restrictions go, reporters will be able to meet with players outside the clubhouse along with regular press conference settings. When meeting outside the clubhouse, reporters and players will be asked to adhere to a Center for Disease Control recommendation that everyone stay at least six feet apart.
Passan also reports that MLB maintains committed to playing the full schedule of spring training games, as well as starting the regular season on time.
But all of this is contingent on how the virus spreads. Passan said the league plan on monitoring all of its markets, and will "remain nimble if local health authorities recommend games not be played." Should that happen, the league is reportedly exploring an option of having teams play games outside their metropolitan areas.