GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- It's more than school and work being impacted by coronavirus concerns. Here in northeast Wisconsin, it's an important weekend for high school girls basketball teams. The WIAA Girls Basketball State Tournament begins Thursday at the Resch Center and officials say precautions are in place, but it will go on as expected.
Workers were placing the WIAA Girls State Tournament decals on the court Wednesday, as they get ready for a rush of players and fans. The tournament typically brings in tens of thousands of people to the area.
"I think it's the dream for every state high school player, in any sport, and basketball in particular I think, is to make it to state,” said Terry Charles with PMI Entertainment Group.
It’s a dream WIAA officials expect to be fulfilled despite coronavirus.
"The situation is being discussed and we are trying to move forward in the way that best is suited for this situation,” said Kate Peterson Abiad, the assistant director for WIAA.
Wednesday, the WIAA sent out a statement saying in part: "people who have been to an area where coronavirus is spreading within the past 14 days should not attend the event." They said that includes domestic travel to states with more than ten cases of coronavirus which, which according to the CDC includes Illinois.
Those who are attending the tournament are encouraged to do things like wash their hands and bring in personal hand sanitizer.
"We are also going to order several thousand and we will hand those out to those who may not have it if they want it on a first come first serve basis,” Charles added.
Charles adds, at the end of the night they will sanitize the locker rooms, elevators, and other confided areas to make sure it's all clean for the next day. Employees have also been reminded to be even more diligent than usual when it comes to things like washing hands.
The protocol for contact amongst players, like celebratory high fives or handshakes after the games, will be discussed Thursday.
