With First Confirmed Cases Of Coronavirus In Oregon, Two Deaths In Washington, CJ McCollum Is Done Signing Autographs

The coronavirus outbreak is really starting to affect people, and we’re not just talking about the thousands who have contracted the virus.

Its effect is being felt in the stock market, the Premier League, the Summer Olympics, college football, the European Tour, Apple and Nintendo supplies, schools, weddings, and beer.

And now it’s affecting the NBA as Portland Trail Blazers star C.J. McCollum says he is done signing autographs for the foreseeable future due to the first confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Oregon.

“The Corona Virus has officially hit Oregon,” McCollum tweeted on Saturday. “More specifically Lake Oswego…Make sure y’all washing y’all hands with soap for 20 or more seconds & covering ya mouths when you cough. I am officially taking a break from signing autographs until further notice.”

McCollum also retweeted eight articles about the symptoms and ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, so you know he’s seriously concerned.

Can’t really blame him. Monday morning NPR reported that just up the road from where he plays, in the state of Washington, two people died over the weekend after acquiring the coronavirus.

NPR also reported that “people with no history of travel to affected areas or contact with people known to be infected — have now been reported in California, Washington state and Oregon.”

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KATU News reported that the first coronavirus-related school closure in Oregon is taking place an elementary school in Lake Oswego, as it will be closed this week through at least Thursday.

This follows six school closings this week in the state of Washington for coronavirus-related cleanings in the state of Washington.

Also over the weekend, health officials reported the first confirmed coronavirus cases in the states of Florida, New York and Rhode Island.

If the coronavirus spread continues, a lot more pro athletes like McCollum will begin to eschew any physical interaction with fans until things settle down.