Spring Training 2.0 starts Friday at PNC Park despite health department order

PITTSBURGH — Despite the new one-week order from the Allegheny County Health Department Thursday that limits training and sports activities of 25 people or more, the Pittsburgh Pirates told Channel 11 that they intend to start Spring Training on-field workouts as planned on Friday at PNC Park.

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The Pirates issued a statement regarding the decision:

“We have worked in direct coordination over the past months with Governor Tom Wolf’s office, along with City and County health officials to ensure the return to PNC Park happens in as safe of an environment as we can possibly provide. Our staff has reviewed the more than 100-page Major League Baseball COVID-19 protocol manual with state and county health officials and all plans have been approved. We will continue to have direct communication with all local and state officials and adjust our procedures as necessary.”

The Pirates will have 40 players training at PNC Park. They will be separating them into four groups of 10 at different times of the day for workouts to keep them socially distanced.

Initially, the team said media members would also be socially distanced to keep the number of people gathered in one place below the maximum threshold. However, the Pirates later clarified and said media will not be allowed due to the health department’s new order.

Below is a follow-up statement released by the Pirates regarding the media not being allowed to attend:

“In light of today’s order issued by the Allegheny County Health Department, the Pirates will be closing PNC Park to outside entities, including members of the media, until further notice. In addition, the Pirates will make the necessary adjustments to the Summer Camp training schedule to ensure all guidelines are being followed. Team officials will continue to work directly with State, County and City officials to bring baseball back to Pirates fans as safely as possible. The health of Pirates players, coaches, staff and fans remains paramount during this time.”

Allegheny Co. bars, restaurants closed for one week; events over 25 people canceled Allegheny Co. bars, restaurants closed for one week; events over 25 people canceled

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