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U.Va. suspends all athletics activities due to coronavirus concerns

The decision comes following the cancellation of the 2020 ACC tournament

<p>If the suspension continues, Virginia athletes will not participate in upcoming NCAA championships.</p>

If the suspension continues, Virginia athletes will not participate in upcoming NCAA championships.

Both Virginia Athletics and the ACC have suspended all practice and competition until further notice due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Additionally, the ACC has banned recruiting efforts and participation in NCAA championships.

The decision comes following the cancellation of the 2020 ACC tournament as well as the announcement that the University will be extending spring break and moving classes online.

“We understand this is unusual and unprecedented. However, these are extremely unusual times,” Virginia Director of Athletics Carla Williams said. “This is not ideal for anyone, but the goal is to preserve and protect the health and safety of as many people in our athletics family and beyond as possible.”

Williams also said that the decision will be reviewed daily as circumstances change. As it currently stands, both men’s and women’s basketball will be unable to participate in the annual March Madness tournament, members of the swimming and diving teams will be forced to stop preparation for the upcoming NCAA championships and all spring sports teams will pause competition for the time being.

The NCAA Tournament is still scheduled to start March 19 as of press time, but NCAA President Mark Emmert announced Wednesday that he will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed.

“This is uncharted territory and the health and safety of our student-athletes and institutions remains our top priority,” ACC Commissioner John Swofford said. “This decision is aimed to protect from the further spread of COVID-19.”

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