In a statement, the Cleveland Cavaliers say that none of the team’s players have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms so far.

“There have been many reports and much speculation regarding quarantining and precautionary measures currently being taken by our team and our organization,” the statement reads. “To be clear, none of our players have experienced COVID-19 symptoms thus far. Should any of our players or basketball staff experience symptoms, they will be tested and undergo self-quarantine. Under the advisement of our medical experts, with league support, we are not currently under a mandatory quarantine. All employees are being advised on how to seek medical attention should they feel ill and experience symptoms, which can include being tested and self-quarantined.”

Additionally, the Cavs say that, in regards to the team’s March 2 game against the Jazz, the risk of infection is felt to be “relatively low at this point, given the date the game was played and the fact that none of our players or staff working in close proximity to the court and locker rooms have experienced any symptoms thus far.”

The NBA suspended play across the league on Wednesday night after Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. Utah guard Donovan Mitchell also tested positive, but no other player has.

The team also says that all employees are advised to work from home, sans those that are considered essential to operate the core systems of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Additionally, the Cavs are “developing a compensation plan to continue paying our event staff and hourly workforce that is impacted with the changes to our regular event schedule.”

Earlier on Thursday, Cavs CEO Len Komoroski did say that workers scheduled to work during the MAC Tournament — annually held in the arena and scheduled for this weekend before being canceled — will be paid.

The Cavs’ next home game — barring scheduled changes when/if the NBA reason resumes — is scheduled for March 24 against the Kings. The Canton Charge, the Cavs’ G League affiliate, also have suspended play along with the rest of the G League.

To date, Ohio has five confirmed cases of the coronavirus, per the Ohio Department of Health.

Coronavirus Symptoms, How it Spreads, Prevention

Below you’ll find the CDC’s information for identifying symptoms, how COVID-19 spreads, and, most importantly, PREVENTION. More information than found below can be found at:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

⚠️ Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.

How it is spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

PREVENTION

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.