The Toronto Blue Jays search for a temporary home for the 2020 Major League Baseball season continues after a proposed switch to Pittsburgh was blocked.
Multiple reports, including ESPN and CBS Sports, claimed that a deal had been struck for Toronto to use PNC Park in Pittsburgh for their home games in the shortened 60-game MLB campaign.
It follows the Canadian government ruling that the Blue Jays would not be permitted to play at the Rodgers' Centre due to concerns over teams travelling from the USA, where the rate of COVID-19 cases are higher than in Ontario.
But it's since emerged that Pennsylvania's Department of Health are unwilling to allow the Blue Jays to set up base in Pittsburgh.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced today that it will not allow the Toronto Blue Jays to play their shortened 2020 season at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. https://t.co/og8ZxLdlp0
— Marly Rivera (@MarlyRiveraESPN) July 22, 2020
HARRISBURG, Pa. (@AP) _ Pennsylvania Department of Health won't allow Toronto Blue Jays to play at PNC Park in Pittsburgh amid pandemic.
— Marc Levy (@timelywriter) July 22, 2020
"“In recent weeks, we have seen a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in southwestern Pennsylvania,”Pennsylvania's Department of Health secretary, Dr. Rachel Levine, said in a statement.
“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.”
