Sacramento Republic monitoring coronavirus situation

Coronavirus is the topic on everyone’s minds these days, and for good reason. The World Health Organization classified it as a “pandemic” on Wednesday, the spread is global, and communities in the United States are being affected daily.

What’s the situation been for Sacramento Republic? So far, no drastic changes around the club. While there are confirmed coronavirus cases in Sacramento County, the local health department changed their recommendations on Tuesday to end self-isolation and work on mitigation strategies to protect those who are most vulnerable should they contract coronavirus.

In contrast, coronavirus is impacting sporting events elsewhere. All sports in Italy are cancelled for the rest of the month as that country ordered a total quarantine, while the San Jose Earthquakes’ next home game is likely to be postponed as Santa Clara County ordered public gatherings of more than 1,000 people to be cancelled or postponed.

The coronavirus is effecting teams in USL, as Hartford Athletic announced Wednesday morning they are postponing their first two home matches this season, in light of a declared state of emergency in Connecticut.

A source with knowledge of the situation told Indomitable City Soccer on Tuesday that Sacramento Republic have been in close contact with various community and league partners regarding best practices and are monitoring the situation, both for upcoming road and home games. As of that conversation, the source indicated the club was not at this time planning to close games to spectators, postpone games or stay home for road clashes due to possible travel concerns, but acknowledged it’s a fluid situation at present.

Later on Wednesday, USL released a statement regarding coronavirus:

In response to COVID-19 concerns, the United Soccer League has been actively working with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Homeland Security, the United States Soccer Federation and other professional sports leagues around the country for weeks to provide the most relevant, up-to-date information on COVID-19 to all of our clubs and stakeholders. USL has also been encouraging all of our clubs to stay in regular contact with their local and state health departments as well as other local authorities. As the situation evolves, USL will continue to monitor the most recent developments and pass along any and all available information, resources and guidance to clubs, supporters and media as timely as possible.

Republic FC’s next home game is in two weeks, against Reno 1868, and in the meantime the club will play Las Vegas Lights in Nevada this Saturday, and then LA Galaxy II in Southern California the following Saturday. Obviously, a lot can change in the meantime, and we’ll have to see if changes elsewhere may indirectly or directly impact Sacramento, and if that has any bearing on Sac Republic. But for now, it’s business as usual around the club and please, everybody: Wash your hands regularly and well, and stay home if you feel sick or could be adversely affected if you were to get coronavirus.

We’ll keep you posted if the story develops.

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