The San Francisco 49ers have announced that the team is closing its headquarters and facilities in Santa Clara, as well as neighboring Levi's Stadium, beginning on Friday amid concerns over COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Team employees, with limited exemptions, have been instructed to work remotely. That includes coaches. Team scouts have been instructed to return home by this weekend.
The 49ers issued the following statement to the media:
Our organization continues to collaborate with federal, state, and local health organizations, as well as our League office, to monitor the evolving developments regarding COVID-19. Our intent is to make the most informed decisions regarding the health and wellness of all San Francisco 49ers and Levi's Stadium employees, patrons, and the community at large.
In light of guidelines issued by the federal government to stop the spread of COVID-19, the SAP Performance Center and Levi's Stadium will close operations beginning March 13 until further notice. Employees, with limited exemptions, have been instructed to work remotely while coaches and scouts will return home by the weekend. Public and private team events have also been cancelled in accordance with these guidelines.
As we continue preparations for the 2020 season and the upcoming Levi's Stadium event calendar, we are in close contact with the NFL and event organizers to gather and share pertinent updates when appropriate. We appreciate everyone's cooperation and patience while we manage this unprecedented situation with a primary focus on ensuring public safety.
The news comes less than a week before the start of the new league year and free agency on March 18. It also comes just days before teams can begin negotiating with the representatives of impending free agents.
The NFL announced on Thursday that there are no plans to disrupt that schedule. The league did announce, however, that its annual owners meetings, which were scheduled to begin on March 29 in Florida, have been canceled.
The NFL also told teams on Thursday that the decision of how to handle pre-draft visits of potential draft prospects will be left up to each team. Colleges across the country are canceling their pro days, though.
It seems unlikely that San Francisco will host any pre-draft visits anytime soon with the announcement of its closures.
The NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS have already suspended their seasons. The NCAA on Thursday announced that the upcoming tournament games for Division I men's and women's basketball are canceled.