Canada refuses Toronto Blue Jays' entreaty to play home games because of the pandemic

Canada’s refusal to allow home games is another blast to sporting events in these times the coronavirus is ravaging the world.  According to a statement from the country's minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, Canada did not approve the request for Toronto Blue Jays to play home games in Toronto because of the pandemic.  Previously, the Blue Jays were given immunity to do workouts during summer in Toronto, so far they are in accord to ensure all players stay at the Rogers Centre  a revamped quarantine center and a nearby hotel as the main League Baseball season is set to commence on 23^rd July.

According to a declaration from Marco E. L. Mendicino, the country's immigration minister, the Canadian government decided that since border travel cannot be avoided for the MLB regular season play, it would jeopardize Canadians' health and safety; this translates into the team having to play in places where the risk of the Coronavirus transmission is still high.

Mendicino said further that Canada has succeeded in flattening the curve massively because of the sacrifices made by Canadians. He went on to mention the importance of professional sports to the economy and Canadians;  he however pointed out that the Canadian government will continue to make decisions based on the advice of health professionals to safeguard the health of all Canadians.

Referring to Canada's Quarantine Act; any individual coming into Canada from the United States is to undergo firm 14-day quarantine; gatherings there is also embargo on a gathering of more than 10 individuals in the city of Toronto.  As the Blue Jays' effort to play home games in Toronto is unsuccessful, the team is thinking of using its Spring Training base in Dunedin, Florida, or its Triple-A home in Buffalo, New York. According to the team’s spokesperson, the team has chosen the Buffalo location because of the breakout of Covid19 cases in Florida.