Editor’s note: an earlier version of this story indicated the Blue Jays were planning a charter flight for Wednesday. Since Toronto announced its players would gather in Dunedin to begin the next steps of MLB’s return-to-play protocol, that flight is now now tentatively slated for Saturday. The story has been updated to reflect this development.
TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays are awaiting approval from the Canadian government on plans to use the Rogers Centre after obtaining the approval of federal, provincial and municipal health officials, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Monday.
#BlueJays are gathering players in Dunedin to begin intake process mandated by MLB protocol there … pic.twitter.com/o54loVagw6
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 30, 2020
Word is charter now tentatively slated for Saturday. Would allow players to arrive together rather than piecemeal from different parts of US.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 30, 2020
This step keeps the #BlueJays from potentially losing training time while government process plays out.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 30, 2020
At intake screening, players get both PCR and antibody tests for COVID-19. They are then to self-isolate for 24-48 hours while they wait for results.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 30, 2020
By gathering in Dunedin, #BlueJays can get all these steps done while waiting for government decision, and be all systems go in Florida if federal government ultimately says no.
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) June 30, 2020
Ford said he was in contact with Mark Shapiro throughout the weekend and added that the Blue Jays president and CEO was “waiting for a letter of support from the federal government.”
“I know all the municipal, provincial and federal health folks kind of gave their approval,” Ford continued. “I know there are a few tweaks here in the province that Dr. (David) Williams (the province’s chief health officer) wants to work out with them. But we have to wait for approval on the federal government on the quarantine side of things.”
When that final approval arrives is uncertain, but Ford’s comments are the firmest indication yet the Blue Jays will be able to stage their camp in Toronto, rather than Dunedin.
Some players had booked flights for Sunday and Monday in anticipation of weekend approval, but were told to hold up while waiting for the government’s decision.
