PITTSBURGH — The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced on Wednesday that it will not allow the Toronto Blue Jays to play at PNC Park.
“In recent weeks, we have seen a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in southwestern Pennsylvania,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “To add travelers to this region for any reason, including for professional sports events, risks residents, visitors and members of both teams. We know that this virus does not discriminate, and can even make professional athletes very sick. We are committed to protecting the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians.”
A spokesperson for the health department said the information was provided to representatives of the Toronto Blue Jays during a conversation earlier today.
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The Blue Jays and Pirates were connected this week after the Blue Jays and Major League Baseball were not granted exemption from Canada’s Quarantine Act, meaning they cannot hold the season in Toronto, according to our partners at DK Pittsburgh Sports.
Pirates President Travis Williams released the following statement:
“I am extremely proud of our staff’s effort, together with the support of Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, to very quickly present Major League Baseball and the Toronto Blue Jays with an option to host their home games here at PNC Park during the 2020 season. This is an unprecedented situation and, therefore, we understand and support Governor Tom Wolf’s decision. We are in agreement that the safety and health of those in our region must remain paramount. We are confident that the great people within the Blue Jays organization, working with Major League Baseball, will secure another option very soon.”
Sen. Pat Toomey also vented his frustrations about the state’s decision to not allow the Blue Jays to play at PNC Park.
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