How has the coronavirus affected the Minnesota Vikings?

The global pandemic has already had a tremendous impact on several professional sports leagues and it has impacted the Minnesota Vikings as well.

As the entire world continues to figure out ways to deal with the coronavirus, the NFL is one of the professional sports leagues that has not been forced to cancel any of their games so far. Currently, the Minnesota Vikings and the rest of the league are still scheduled to kick off another season in September.

Despite there not being any elimination of games, teams around the NFL, including the Vikings, are already starting to feel the impact of the coronavirus on their normal offseason activities.

On Thursday, Minnesota released the following statement in regards to the actions they are taking to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

"“We continue to closely monitor coronavirus developments and maintain contact with the NFL, health officials and other local professional teams. Consistent with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we have implemented precautionary procedures to protect staff and reduce the risk of acquisition and transmission inside TCO Performance Center. These actions include emphasizing proper hand washing, enhancing environmental disinfection and preparing for remote work protocols, if necessary. We are also suspending travel for our coaches and scouts until further notice and reviewing restrictions on large public gatherings in the near future. These are uncertain times, and our priority is to protect the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff, and fans and do our part to minimize the spread of this virus.”"

The Vikings are one of several teams who have postponed the current travel schedules of their scouts and coaches.

In addition to these travel guidelines, the NFL has canceled their spring meeting which was scheduled to take place from March 29 until April 1. Everything that was expected to happen at this meeting including votes and discussions about rule changes will now take place during the league’s next annual meeting on May 19.

Multiple college Pro Days around the country have been canceled or postponed. The process of evaluating draft prospects for Minnesota and the rest of the NFL is going to be very different during the next few weeks due to these decisions.

Currently, the NFL Draft is still scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from April 23-25. However, The Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken reported on Wednesday that the draft, “could be significantly altered,” depending on how the next few weeks turn out.

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis recently commented on the status of this year’s NFL Draft saying, “the league office, the players association, and the city and the state are working together. They’re making a measured decision. Health and safety will always be No. 1.”

No other changes have been made by the NFL and the new league year will still reportedly begin as scheduled next Wednesday, March 18.