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LEC confirmed on Twitter that the 2020 LEC Spring Split has been suspended until further notice, effective immediately. The decision came after the LEC discovered that one staff member was exposed to the coronavirus.
At this time, it’s a developing situation and the LEC is yet to confirm the status of the staff member. According to host Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere, no player or team was in direct contact with the affected staff member.
The league had already removed the live audience and press from the LEC studio in Berlin to ensure the health of everyone involved. Earlier this month, the LEC decided to move the final from Budapest, Hungary to Berlin in order to reduce the threat.
The LCS also decided to remove the live audience and press from the LCS Studio is Los Angeles. It remains unclear if the competition will continue through the weekend.
The LEC will update fans as soon as it has more information. The LEC joins the LCK and the OPL in the list of leagues that have been suspended action due to the pandemic. In China, the LPL resumed activities online, and it is likely that some of the currently suspended leagues will due the same.
Preemptive measures see LEC Spring Split suspended
Earlier in the day, FC Schalke 04 Esports announced that the organization is letting the players go back to their homes if they wish. The offer was extended to the Prime League and LEC players.
Origen, which operates from Copenhagen, Denmark, is currently in the midst of a government-ordered lockdon. The organization couldn’t travel to Berlin this weekend and opted to play online.
While the situation looks bad, this is not the time for panic. Esports, unlike other industries, can operate online and keep the show going. In China, which was hammered early on by the coronavirus, the LPL will be able to complete the regular season without incidents.
