NILES — While municipalities and universities around the country, as well as in Michigan, begin to take steps to slow down the spread of COVID-19, local athletic directors have not made any changes to their policies as spring sports practices get under, away and the state basketball tournament continues.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association on Wednesday afternoon released a statement that it was keeping a close eye on what is being called a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.

“The MHSAA is working with state and local health authorities to monitor the developing COVID-19 situation in Michigan,” the release said. “At this time, all MHSAA postseason tournament events will be played as scheduled. We encourage people to follow the CDC guidance regarding hand-washing, personal hygiene and staying home when sick.”

The MHSAA said it would continue to monitor the situation and make any necessary adjustments to tournament events.

“Decisions will be made to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone involved,” the statement said.

Locally, all six schools that Leader Publications covers said that no adjustments had been made as far as participating in contests, practices or scrimmages. Niles Community School was having a meeting Wednesday afternoon to discuss the situation.

Dowagiac athletic director Brent Nate said it would be business as usual.

“Hopefully, we have a warm spring so that teams can practice outside without issue,” he said.

“We are monitoring the situation and will make appropriate changes is necessary,” said Edwardsburg AD Kevin Dean.

At Brandywine. Bobcat AD Vance Stratton also said no current changes are planned.

“We are monitoring any recommendations, or none, that are issued from the Berrien County Health Department,” he said. “Business as usual with the schedules and practices at this point.”

As of Wednesday, Michigan had tested for 77 approved, of which 57 came back negative, two were confirmed positive and 18 were results were still pending.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency to help slow the spread of the virus. She also announced that Michigan Medicaid would waive co-pays and cost-sharing for testing and health care.

Around the U.S., cities are starting to limit the number of people who can gather at events. In San Francisco, that number was 1,000. Other communities had placed such limits on gatherings such as sporting events and concerts.

The National Basketball Association was hosting a conference call Wednesday afternoon to discuss options such as playing games without fans, moving games to areas of the country that have not had an outbreak, or suspending the regular season for s short period of time.

College basketball leagues have already canceled conference tournaments, as schools have closed campuses, and are hosting classes online. Among them are the University of Notre Dame, Western Michigan University and Michigan State University.

The NCAA is also monitoring the situation with its annual postseason tournaments set to start next Thursday.