Yanks hope virus spread in minor camp has stopped

TAMPA — The Yankees are hopeful that they may have stopped the spread of the coronavirus through their spring training camp. After two positive tests with their minor league players, they had no more outstanding tests as of Thursday night. The two players who tested positive were immediately quarantined — as well as the other Yankees’ minor leaguers and player development staff — and that may have stopped the spread.

The largest group of quarantined minor leaguers and player development staff are set to come out of their self isolation on Wednesday if there are no other cases. The Himes [minor league] complex will also open on Wednesday if there are no unexpected issues.

The Yankees first case, which was officially confirmed by the state of Florida on Saturday night, was a 17year-old pitcher from Cuba. After the diagnosis, the Yankees, under the direction of the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County quarantined their minor league players based at the complex on Himes Avenue. They also quarantined player development staff that came in contact with him or were also based at that facility. The facility was professionally cleaned.

The team is also providing housing and meals to the quarantined players as well

as an increase in their per diem as an incentive to keep themselves isolated.

On Tuesday, a second player, 23, also tested positive. That player and his roommate and anyone in contact with him will be quarantined for 14 days after his diagnosis.