The Pirates announced Thursday that in light of the order from the Allegheny County Health Department, they will close PNC Park to all outside entities, including media, until further notice.
Friday was supposed to be the first workout of the team's summer camp in which local media would be 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," the Pirates released in a statement. "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."
The Pirates confirmed one or two players and manager Derek Shelton will be made available to the media through Zoom calls each day during the closure. That availability was planned before Thursday's news, but members of the media will not be able to watch players practice.
Earlier Thursday, the Allegheny County Health Department issued orders that will close in-person service at all bars, restaurants, casinos and events of more than 25 people for a week starting July 3. This comes as COVID-19 cases rise in the Pittsburgh area, and across most of the country. Thursday's total of 233 new cases in Allegheny County is more than double the previous single-day high.
Full coverage of the Allegheny County order and the statement from Dr. Debra Bogen can be found at our news partners at WPXI.
The Pirates started to report for summer camp on July 1, and it will last three weeks. Forty players are expected to attend, as well as Shelton and 10 other coaches. Workouts will be broken into smaller groups throughout the day to make sure players can practice proper precautionary measures.
Every player will need to test negative for COVID-19 before entering the facility. They will then have to take tests every other day, as per the league's health and safety protocols.
Their first regular season game will be July 23 or 24. The team had hoped to set up exhibition games against another club ahead of the regular season.
The Pirates are also setting up an alternate spring training site in Altoona, Pa., for players who are not part of the MLB summer camp. That will also be closed to outsiders.
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