Arizona-based Reds employee tests positive for coronavirus
Mar 18, 2020, 11:42 AM | Updated: 8:15 pm
A detail of the blank scoreboard and empty seats at Goodyear Ballpark after Major League Baseball suspends Spring Training on March 12, 2020 in Goodyear, Arizona. MLB suspended spring training due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
An Arizona-based employee of the Cincinnati Reds has tested positive for COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, the team announced on Wednesday.
The Reds have their spring training facility at Goodyear Ballpark in the West Valley and share the facility with the Cleveland Indians. The camp is on Estrella Parkway and Yuma Road near Phoenix Goodyear Airport.
The latest update on Wednesday said the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Arizona was 27, the Arizona Department of Health Services announced. It’s not clear whether that total included this Reds employee.
“As part of our commitment to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Reds are sending a precautionary notice to those who were inside the building of the Reds Spring Training Complex in Goodyear, Arizona, that an Arizona-based Reds employee has tested positive for COVID-19,” a statement from the team said.
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“For your reference, the dates involved are February 29, 2020 through March 14, 2020. The Reds staff who came in close contact with this employee are being tested and have self-quarantined. We will continue to follow the state and local guidelines for the prevention and treatment of COVID-2019.”
The city of Goodyear said in a press release that team staff in close contact with the employee are being tested and have self-quarantined.
“Goodyear continues to practice very strict sanitizing measures at all city facilities, including the Goodyear Ballpark where spring training games have been cancelled since March 12. City staff continues to practice social distancing to reduce human-to-human contact.”
In a conference call, Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said he isn’t aware any impact this has on D-backs players or employees.
“I have not been notified that there would be concern as of this minute in terms of that. I do know our last spring training game was with the Reds, but I don’t believe we’ve had any contact,” he said. “But we’re asking those questions.”
