Falcons update statement regarding COVID-19, close facilities through March 27th

The Atlanta Falcons released a statement Thursday afternoon regarding COVID-19, but provided an amendment to that statement today.

Our offices will be closed until March 27 in the wake of the COVID-19 situation. https://t.co/I9gkdA6aah
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) March 13, 2020

Here's the original statement:

"We have been closely monitoring the developing situation around coronavirus (COVID-19) and will be discontinuing business travel scouting personnel and coaching staff until further notice.

IBM Performance Field will be closed until Monday for an intense cleaning throughout the entire facility. Staff will be working remotely.

Our preparation for the upcoming 2020 season will continue on schedule at this point and we will continue working ahead on the approaching free agency window and the NFL Draft.

The organization will remain in close contact with the NFL and health officials as the situation evolves."

Falcons President and CEO Rich McKay provided insight to the new plan to close facilities to all but essential personnel until March 27th:

"Meeting all of the guidelines and just trying to be extra cautious with all of our facilities," McKay told AtlantaFalcons.com on Friday. "Arthur's family office is being deep cleaned today; we did the stadium yesterday afternoon and into today. We did Flowery Branch yesterday starting at 2 o'clock. All of the facilities we touch, our family businesses, we wanted to use that protocol of a deep clean and close.

"In that interim, we made the decision that we probably should stay shut based on CDC recommendations and all of the discussions we had with other teams, that we had with MLS, that maybe we were better off just saying we will stay shut until March 27, which is what we communicated with our associates today."

The NFL's annual meeting, scheduled for Mar. 29-Apr. 1, is also canceled.

Now official — The NFL’s Annual Meeting has been cancelled. https://t.co/vhCtXqxB8d
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2020

As far as NFL Draft, the league announced Friday that teams could not conduct in-person interviews with potential selections.

Here’s the NFL memo. Teams can still do phone and video chats with draft prospects. pic.twitter.com/mVM4j92kjt
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2020

Additionally, the league also has no current plans to alter the start of the new league year next week, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The NFL says it has no plans to move the start of the league year. Still on for next Wednesday, March 18.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2020

COVID-19 is impacting the sports world to it's core following the suspension of the NBA season, as all Power 5 NCAA Basketball tournaments have been canceled, as well as the NCAA Tournament for both men and women. In addition to MLB suspending it's spring training leagues in both Florida and Arizona. MLS has suspended play, as have major international soccer leagues as the world battles the spread of the virus. The PGA Tour and Nascar have also postponed events in light of the virus.

Stay healthy, safe, and informed, everyone.