Pirates address spring training health concerns after 2 coronavirus cases found in Florida

The Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday advised fans, players and staff at spring training “to listen to and rely upon the advice and guidance of the public health experts” after two adults tested positive for coronavirus in Hillsborough and Manatee counties.

The Pirates’ spring training stadium, LECOM Park, and minor-league complex at Pirate City are in Bradenton, Fla., which is in Manatee County. One of the adults who tested “presumptively positive” was in neighboring Sarasota. That’s the spring training home of the Baltimore Orioles, where the Pirates visited this past Thursday. The Pirates hosted the Orioles on Friday.

Hillsborough County is home to Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, which is home to the Philadelphia Phillies.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis directed the state’s surgeon general, Scott Rivkee, to declare a public health emergency after the cases of coronavirus were discovered. The Pirates addressed concerns of the coronavirus spreading in a statement from spokesperson Brian Warecki.

“The safety of our fans, players and staff is paramount,” Warecki said. “We continue to monitor the situation very closely and are working with our expert partners at AHN and Highmark, as well as with MLB, to ensure we are up to date on any developments and are actively considering the appropriate precautions.

“It is too early in the fact-finding process regarding the reported case in Manatee County to comment on any potential impacts on our operations. We encourage everyone to listen to and rely upon the advice and guidance of the public health experts.”

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