Philadelphia Union game still on as scheduled for Saturday

UPDATE: The Union’s season opener and all MLS games over the next 30 days have been postponed

As concerns about large gatherings rise amidst the coronavirus outbreak, the Philadelphia Union home opener scheduled for Saturday remains a go.

The team released the following statement on Wednesday:

Our medical staff is monitoring the situation closely and working in partnership with Major League Soccer, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and regional health authorities. We are in close communication with other sports organizations in the city, who are also monitoring the situation closely. If any necessary changes are needed, we will let our fans know as soon as possible and provide all the required information.

The team has implemented enhanced cleaning treatments to “disinfect all areas of the stadium before and after the game” and added signage encouraging hand washing along with hand sanitizer stations around the park. All stadium staff and event employees will wear gloves.

Head coach Jim Curtin encouraged fans to come out to the home opener during his weekly press conference, but also noted that they are taking every precaution possible to protect against spread. He said Michee Ngalina has come down with flu-like symptoms but tested negative for the coronavirus.