San Jose Sharks Face Uncertainty As County Bans Mass Gatherings

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Santa Clara County officials are banning gatherings of more than 1,000 people starting Wednesday to limit the spread of COVID-19, the leaders said Monday evening.

At a news briefing at 7 p.m., county officials said the ban will last for three weeks.

The ban will affect, among other events, sports gatherings such as San Jose Sharks' games but the teams could play without spectators, county counsel James Williams said.

The Sharks have five regular season home games remaining on their schedule. Their next scheduled game is March 17 against the Montreal Canadiens.

"SAP Center at San Jose is aware of the County of Santa Clara's Public Health Department order to prohibit public and private mass gatherings through the end of March," the Sharks said in a statement Monday night.

"We will adhere to the mandated guidelines. No events are scheduled at SAP Center until Tues., March 17. We will be reviewing each scheduled event due to take place for the rest of the month and provide an update in the coming days. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans, guests and partners during this unprecedented time."

Sharks forward Evander Kane said after Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators he can't envision playing home games in front of empty arenas.

"I don’t foresee that happening," he said.

"I love playing in front of the fans, that’s what professional sports is all about."

Said Sharks goalie Aaron Dell: "I don’t think it would make a huge difference but it would be kind of weird because it would be really, really, quiet, but if that’s what they have to do that’s what they have to do."

Williams said the ban will be enforceable by sheriff's deputies and police, and law enforcement will have discretion over how to enforce the ban.

It may be the first such ban in the U.S.

Additionally, Dr. Sarah Cody, the county's director of public health, is encouraging people to practice "social distancing" to slow the spread of the virus.

She said slowing the spread is critical because a surge could overwhelm county staff as they try to help the people who are infected.

"I really want to emphasize the importance of everyone doing their part in coming together to slow the spread of this infection and protect the public," Cody said.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo was optimistic.

He said, "I'm confident that if we take care of each other and we work together we are collectively stronger than this virus."

County executive Dr. Jeff Smith said the county is still looking for a place for the homeless to self-isolate should they become infected.

He said Santa Clara County does not need to allocate money as San Francisco did Monday to protect the homeless and people in single-room-occupancy hotels.

"We're in a different situation than San Francisco," Smith said.

"We don't have to allocate (money).

Our health care system is available to anyone in need.

"Our system is designed to be able to provide whatever services are needed so the homeless are welcome.

Anybody is welcome whether you are able to pay or whether you are a citizen or resident."

The news briefing can be watched at: https://www.facebook.com/sccpublichealth/videos/657978281685066/.

Bay City News and Patch editor Gideon Rubin contributed to this report.

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