The Latest: Nurse set to return for short-handed Raptors
The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
___
Toronto coach Nick Nurse will be back on the bench Thursday night in Tampa, Florida, against Atlanta, while five players remain out because of health and safety protocols.
Starters Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet and OG Anunoby and reserves Malachi Flynn and Patrick McCaw will sit out for the third straight game.
Terence Davis is questionable for the game because of a left ankle sprain.
Assistant coach Sergio Scariolo directed the team in both games Norse missed.
___
A drone disinfectant program will be used to clean Marlins Park in Miami this season.
Licensed pilots will use FAA-approved drone technology in the ballpark to apply a formula to large open areas that will inactivate pathogens including coronavirus, the Marlins said.
The program is part of a new multi-year partnership with Florida Pest Control.
___
New York state has given Syracuse University the OK to continue its pilot program for fan attendance.
The university was given permission last Saturday to allow fans at the women’s lacrosse game against Vermont and nearly 250 students showed up. The university says the state’s initial evaluation of the university’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols at the game “was very positive.”
The school announced that students have been approved to attend two more lacrosse games in the Carrier Dome, the women against Notre Dame on Sunday and the men against Hofstra on March 20.
COVID-19 protocols include testing at the stadium testing center on Friday and there are no exceptions. An additional rapid test will be administered to students upon entry, and a follow-up PCR test must be completed within 72 hours of the event.
Students will sit in pods in the lower level of the Carrier Dome with a distance of nine feet between each pod and masks must be worn at all times.
___
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports