KBO returns to empty ballparks after coronavirus spike

KBO returns to empty ballparks after coronavirus spike
24/08/2020
The Korean government raised the intensity of social distancing measures to Level 2 after COVID -19 cases exceeded 300 for two consecutive days.

A recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Korea, where it has exceeded 300 for two consecutive days, has forced the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) league to close its doors .

Due to the spike of coronavirus cases, the Korean government decided to raise the intensity of the social distancing measures to Level 2 throughout the country. Amongst other restrictions under Level 2, all sports games must be played behind closed doors.

The new measure became effective starting Sunday, 23 August but came as no surprise for the 10 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) clubs. They had voluntarily closed the ballparks as a precaution, having already started the season following strictly government coronavirus safety measures.

The KBO opened its season on 5 May without fans after the opening day was pushed back from the original date of 28 March due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The league allowed clubs to fill the ballparks up to 10% of capacity starting from 26 July and increased the number of fans up to 25% of capacity on 12 August.

The NC Dinos are currently leading with 51 wins-2 draws-33 losses, followed by the Kiwoom Heroes (55-0-38), the Doosan Bears (50-2-38), LG Twins (51-1-39) and the KT Wiz (47-1-39).