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Epidemics

COVID-19 Protocols Ignored at World Series, Mirroring Nation's Recklessness

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The 2020 World Series celebration devolved into a COVID-19 pandemic awareness nightmare, with Los Angeles Dodgers player Justin Turner and the team ignoring safety protocols, mirroring the nation's recklessness in the face of the deadly virus. As the Dodgers celebrated their championship win, Turner, who had tested positive for COVID-19, rejoined the team on the field without proper social distancing and a mask, setting a tone of disregard for the very real health crisis plaguing the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Los Angeles Dodgers ignored COVID-19 protocols during the 2020 World Series celebration, with player Justin Turner rejoining the team on the field despite testing positive for the virus and flouting social distancing guidelines.
  • The incident reflects the nation's broader recklessness in the face of the pandemic, with many Americans refusing to follow basic safety protocols such as wearing masks, washing hands, and socially distancing.
  • The World Series celebrations served as a stark reminder of the COVID-19 pandemic's very real consequences, including over 230,000 deaths in the United States in the past seven months.
  • Major League Baseball (MLB) took no responsibility for preventing Turner's reentry onto the field, and Commissioner Rob Manfred only belatedly condemned the move, stating that it was "wrong and put everyone he came in contact with at risk."
  • The baseball league's actions, including ignoring requests for more information and failing to stop the game when Turner was removed, sent a poor message to the American public about the importance of following COVID-19 protocols.
  • MLB's behavior echoes the broader national trend of prioritizing personal wants over collective well-being and ignoring scientific advice in the face of the pandemic.
  • This trend is evident in Wisconsin, where the University of Wisconsin has resumed football despite 12 its players testing positive for COVID-19, and several games have been cancelled or postponed due to outbreaks.

Statistics:

  • Over 230,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 in the past seven months.
  • 12 Wisconsin football players, including coach Paul Chryst and two quarterbacks, have tested positive for COVID-19.
  • 33 games have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19 outbreaks since the season began.
  • Wisconsin is one of the country's worst hotspots, despite the state's governor having thrown open its borders.

Sources:

  • [USA TODAY columnist Nancy Armour, October 29, 2020]
  • [MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's statement condemning Turner's behavior, October 28, 2020]

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