Major League Soccer, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League will limit access to players by the media in the locker room at games and after training sessions, all four sports announced on Monday.

The decision was made in response to the outbreak of Coronavirus.

The leagues issued a joint statement:

“After consultation with infectious disease and public health experts, and given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and post-game settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice. Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting. These temporary changes will be effective with tomorrow’s [Tuesday] games and practices.

“We will continue to closely monitor this situation take an further steps necessary to maintain a save and welcoming environment.”

This new rule will affect both of the area’s MLS clubs — the Red Bulls and New York City FC. Both teams have Tuesday press availability with the media.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.