Nationals clear health protocols with DC for Covid exposure

UPDATE, July 17 9:34 a.m.: The Nationals have been cleared to play in Washington, D.C., according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. The Opening series against the Yankees will take place as planned. Per Bob Nightengale, players who have been exposed to COVID-19, but test negative and cleared to return, must quarantine in their residence for 14 days when not at the ballpark.

The Washington Nationals are scheduled to host the New York Yankees one week from today, but for the time being, it is unclear where Opening Day will take place. The Nationals are unsure if they will be able to open the season at Nationals Park due to Covid-19 protocols in Washington, D.C.

The Washington Post is reporting the city requires a 14-day quarantine if a person is exposed to the novel coronavirus. This suggests that if a player were to test positive, it’s possible the entire team could have to quarantine for two weeks under city rules.

The Nationals have been looking into options at the Class A Stadium in Fredericksburg, Virginia or their spring training facility in West Palm Beach, Florida. The reporting indicated Fredericksburg is the team’s first choice.

The Post learned from Major League Baseball that the Los Angeles Dodgers are dealing with municipal quarantine issues. There is no word yet on if they are considering a relocation for some stretch.