Coronavirus In GA Suspends, Cancels Atlanta Teams' Games

ATLANTA, GA — With more cases of the new coronavirus being diagnosed daily in the United States, including in metro Atlanta, sports institutions throughout the nation are grappling with the best ways to keep people safe. As of Thursday morning, Atlanta Hawks basketball games, Atlanta United soccer games and the NCAA Southeastern Conference basketball tournament games are all either canceled or suspended.

Related: Interactive Map: Latest US Coronavirus Cases

As of Thursday morning, there are now 31 confirmed and presumed positive cases of the new coronavirus in 12 counties around Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp said Wednesday night. The first fatality in the state was confirmed Thursday afternoon.

Globally, more than 127,000 people have been infected and more than 4,700 people have died from the new coronavirus, Johns Hopkins reported Thursday morning. Of that total, more than 80,000 confirmed cases are in China, while the entire United States has 1,323 confirmed cases as of Thursday morning. There have been 38 deaths in the U.S. have been tied to the virus outbreak.

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National Basketball Association - Atlanta Hawks

The National Basketball Association is suspending the season after a player tested positive for the new coronavirus, a sobering preview of what potentially could be severe disruptions in sports and entertainment as America struggles to address the coronavirus threat.

The NBA's move is the most drastic step taken by a professional sports league amid fears of a national COVID-19 outbreak. Two games Wednesday night were postponed; There is no word on when play might resume.

The announcement came shortly after a game between the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma was canceled at the last minute. Fans were sent home.

It was reported that Jazz All-Star center Rudy Gobert had tested positive for COVID-19, making him the first professional sports player in America to have a public positive test. The NBA did not identify Gobert, but said the "affected player" was not in the arena.

See more: NBA Suspends Season In Drastic Move Amid Coronavirus Fears

Major League Soccer - Atlanta United

Major League Soccer has suspended games for 30 days, effective Thursday, as the league continues to assess the impact of coronavirus with its medical task force and public health officials.

The league will return to determine the continuation of the 2020 season.

“Our clubs were united today in the decision to temporarily suspend our season – based on the advice and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and other public health authorities, and in the best interest of our fans, players, officials and employees,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “We’d like to thank our fans for their continued support during this challenging time.”

NCAA March Madness/Southeastern Conference Tournament

The NCAA announced Thursday that the men's and women's Division 1 basketball tournaments will not take place in 2020.

"The decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities," the NCCA said in a statement on the decision.

The NCAA March Madness Final Four was scheduled to play in Atlanta April 4-6.

"While we are disappointed, we respect the decision of the NCAA and agree that public health and safety are our priority," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said in a statement. "I encourage Atlantans and visitors to keep in mind the hardships that our service and hospitality industries may face as a result of this decision, and to continue to patronize Atlanta businesses and tip a little extra to ease any burdens this may place on the families of those industries."

The Southeastern Conference men's basketball tournament in Nashville has been canceled. SEC officials in Birmingham made the announcement Thursday after one day of action.

"Based on the latest developments and the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Southeastern Conference today announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2020 Men's Basketball Tournament in Nashville," the SEC said in a statement.

The Big Ten has canceled the remainder of its conference basketball tournament as well, with other conferences likely to follow suit. The decision to halt play was made on Thursday morning.

See more:

• NCAA Cancels March Madness Among Growing Coronavirus Fears
• SEC Cancels Basketball Tournament Amid Coronavirus Scare
• NCAA Bans Spectators From Upcoming March Madness Tournament

Major League Baseball - Atlanta Braves

Major League Baseball said Thursday afternoon it will be shutting down spring training and postponing opening day by two weeks.

MLB had been scheduled to open its season March 26, with all 30 teams in action, ESPN said.

"MLB will announce the effects on the schedule at an appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant, with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible," MLB said in its statement reported by ESPN.

NASCAR - Atlanta Motor Speedway

NASCAR released a statement Friday overturning its earlier decision to hold Sunday's big race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Initially, officials said that fans weren't allowed in the stands to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but now NASCAR is postponing the race altogether.

"NASCAR has decided to postpone the race events at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend and Homestead-Miami Speedway next weekend. We believe this decision is in the best interest of the safety and well-being of our fans, competitors, officials and everyone associated with our sport. We will continue to monitor this dynamic situation as we assess future race events."

See more: NASCAR Race Postponed At Atlanta Motor Speedway

2020 Masters Tournament

The 2020 Masters Tournament that was set to take place in Georgia has been postponed, officials announced Friday. Concerns about the new coronavirus spreading have led several professional sports leagues and teams to cancel or postpone games, tournaments or seasons.

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley shared this statement on Twitter: "Respecting the health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community, the 2020 Master's Tournament, the Augusta National Women's Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals have been postponed."

According to CBS Sports, The Masters have been played annually in April since 1945. It was canceled during 1943-45 because of to World War II.

See more: GA 2020 Masters Postponed Due To Coronavirus Risk: Officials

See more:

• Coronavirus In The World Of Sports: Updates On Major Story Lines
• GA Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know
• GA Coronavirus Cases Rise To 31, Source Of Infections Unknown