There were more than 11.8 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and more than 540,000 deaths from the virus worldwide as of July 7. The coronavirus, which was first reported by the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission in December 2019, spread throughout Asia and Europe before reaching North America.

On March 11, the NBA announced it was suspending its season after one of its players tested positive for the virus. The NHL followed suit on March 12. MLB, meanwhile, was scheduled to start its 2020 season on March 26, but announced it would delay that by at least two weeks.

However, it wasn't until June 24 when the league and the MLB Players Association came to an agreement on guidelines for the start of the season. The two sides had to agree on the number of games, player compensation, and health and safety protocols, among other major issues.

Further complicating matters is the fact that the COVID-19 curve of infection in the US has risen steadily as states have reopened for business. There was an average of 49,344 new cases per day in the US in the week including July 7. There were only 21,749 new cases per day three weeks prior.

The start of the 2020 MLB season could further complicate efforts to again flatten the curve in the US as players and staff from all 30 teams will be traveling freely throughout the country. Should it play out as planned, the year won't end until the playoffs are completed in October. While this presents obvious challenges, the league has outlined a variety of protocols and safety measures to mitigate the spread of the virus in its 101-page 2020 Operations Manual.

Testing Protocols

An alleviated spring training session for players began in early July and, before players could report, they were required to submit a symptom and exposure questionnaire detailing what they did during the shutdown. All players were also tested for antibodies and COVID-19. During spring training as well as throughout the season and playoffs, all players and coaches will be tested every second day and undergo antibody testing once per month.

Moreover, all Covered Individuals, which includes players and coaches in addition to on-field personnel and clubhouse attendants, will be subjected to several daily temperature checks. Those who register a temperature over 100.4 degrees will be required to quarantine until they can be re-tested.

Beyond these measures, each of the league's 30 teams is required to have designated isolation and testing areas at its ballpark. Only players who test positive or display COVID-19 symptoms will have access to the isolation area, and it will only be in use until they can relocate to their home or a medical facility. Finally, the league will also provide testing for those who live with a Covered Individual as well as healthcare workers in the 30 MLB cities.

Other Safety Measures

In addition to regular testing and temperature checks, MLB has implemented several rules in an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus. Spitting, whether it's saliva, chewing tobacco, or sunflower seeds, is common in the dugout, but this will be prohibited during the 2020 season. Furthermore, players on opposing teams aren't allowed to be within six feet of each other outside of the context of the game. This includes during warm-ups and in between innings. Players or managers who break the six-feet rule when interacting with umpires can face suspension.

Hitters will have to bring their own equipment to the on-deck circle and retrieve necessary equipment from the dugout following the end of an inning. Similarly, pitchers will be required to carry their own rosin bag to the pitcher's mound and will have to use a "wet rag" to moisten their fingers rather than licking them, as is often the case.

High-Risk Individuals and Players Opting Out

Teams are also responsible for identifying high-risk Covered Individuals, meaning those who are vulnerable due to their age or medical history. These players can opt out of the season and still get paid. If they choose to play, they will have access to enhanced personal protective equipment and separate changing areas, among other accommodations. Several players, including Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price, have already opted out as of July 7.

First COVID-19 Test Results

On July 3, MLB announced that 31 players and seven staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The league collected samples from 3,185 personnel. Players who test positive during the season will be isolated from their team and undergo follow-up testing. They must record two negative results at least one day apart, show no symptoms for three days, and receive medical approval before being allowed to return.

"I can tell you that we expect a lot of positive tests," said Mark Shapiro, president of the Toronto Blue Jays, when speaking to the press. His team has had multiple players test positive. "Any time you do comprehensive testing—there are some reports in the NBA today—and just like we see in the news every day, as testing goes up, the numbers go up."