Field Level Media
01 Apr 2020, 09:49 GMT+10
Toronto mayor John Tory announced Tuesday a ban on public events until June 30 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the edict doesn't apply to the city's sports teams.
The defending NBA champion Raptors and the NHL's Maple Leafs would have been wrapping up their regular seasons now, and baseball's Blue Jays and Toronto FC of Major League Soccer would be early in their campaigns.
All of North America's major sports leagues are currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with return dates uncertain.
Tory's ruling affects only events that require city permits.
"Many of the events we treasure, in our City, every year, will not be able to go ahead as scheduled this year," Tory said Tuesday, adding "This is not an easy decision to make."
Tory said the health and safety of residents is the top priority.
The ban also cancels the Pride Parade from June 26-28. The event is typically one of the largest in Canada each year.
Professional sports leagues are scrambling for ways to play their games, whether it be in front of no fans or playing a large number of games in locations in which the virus hasn't hit in a major way.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that NBA officials have pondered playing in the Bahamas and turning a hotel ballroom into a playing court. It also has been reported that NBA teams and NHL clubs have been seeking arena availability in July and August.
The coronavirus pandemic started having a major effect on North American sports when Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 on March 11. Utah's game was canceled that night, and the NBA followed by suspending its season. The NHL suspended its season the following day, with most mainstream sports quickly following suit.
--Field Level MediaGet a daily dose of Wisconsin Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Wisconsin Star.
More InformationANKARA, Turkey: A Turkish far-right politician went on trial Wednesday, facing charges of inciting public hatred—an episode critics...
LONDON, U.K.: In a landmark moment for Britain, lawmakers in the House of Commons have voted in favour of legalising assisted dying,...
Western support for Israel's right to strike Iran backs up a pattern of pre-emptive violence that critics say is further eroding international...
OTTAWA, Canada: Canada may boost its counter-tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from the U.S. if a comprehensive trade agreement...
BANGKOK, Thailand: Thailand's government is facing its biggest crisis in nearly a year, as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's...
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump how bowed to pro-Israel elements in his administration and Congress, announcing that the...
Oklahoma City (Oklahoma), June 23 (ANI): Police in Oklahoma City in the US said they are investigating a shooting that took place after...
Washington DC [US], June 22 (ANI): Actress Gabrielle Union opened up about how she spent her first big paycheck, reported People. ...
Washington DC [US], June 18 (ANI): Travis Kelce shared details about his future date night plans with his girlfriend Taylor Swift....
The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched its first title in franchise history on Sunday, capping off a historically dominant season with...
ESPN today announced updates to its 2025 Sunday Night Baseball Presented by Capital One and MLB on ESPN schedules. The Chicago Cubs...