PGA Tour issues statement on coronavirus as The Players begins

The PGA Tour issued a statement Thursday regarding the coronavirus outbreak, as Round 1 of The Players Championship teed off as scheduled at TPC Sawgrass.

"The PGA Tour is aware of rapidly changing developments regarding COVID-19," the statement reads. "With the information currently available, The Players Championship will continue as scheduled, although we will absolutely continue to review recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and local health administrations. This is obviously a very fluid situation that requires constant review, communication, and transparency, and we are dedicated to all three aspects."

While the Tour opted against banning fans from attending, it announced Thursday morning that autographs won't be signed during the event.

The decision to continue as scheduled comes less than 12 hours after the NBA suspended its season following news that a Utah Jazz player tested positive for COVID-19.