Coronavirus

NCAA President Mark Emmert just announced fans WILL BE BANNED from both the men's and women's basketball tournaments this month ... and it's all 'cause of coronavirus.

"I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance," Emmert said in a statement.

It's shocking news from the org. ... but Emmert said after his consultation with public health officials and the NCAA's COVID-19 advisory panel, it's necessary.

"While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports," Emmert said, "my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States."

"This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes."

The announcement comes just a few hours after the Golden State Warriors said they will play with no fans in their home arena for at least the next two weeks.

The Seattle Mariners, meanwhile, said they will NOT play at home at all in the month of March over fears of the virus.

The Golden State Warriors will be the first NBA team to play in front of an empty home arena this season ... with San Francisco banning events larger than 1,000 people due to coronavirus.

The Health Officer of SF announced the decision on Wednesday ... saying the ban will last 2 weeks (starting Thursday) and will include Warriors home games at the Chase Center.

The NBA has been exploring the option of closing games to the public due to the disease ... and after initially rejecting the idea, Lakers superstar LeBron James has agreed to listen to the experts.

The Association has also limited media access to locker rooms as a safety precaution.

"Public health must be first priority," SF supervisor Matt Haney tweeted on Tuesday.

Along with the Warriors playing in front of a fan-less crowd against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday ... all other events at the Chase Center have been canceled or postponed until March 21.

Dwyane Wade is FUMING over his son's role on his famous high school hoops team -- claiming the coach refuses to play Zaire -- and the NBA legend is mad as hell over it.

Wade made it crystal clear on "Inside the NBA" Tuesday ... 'cause after his co-host asked if he'd be making the trip to watch Zaire's Sierra Canyon team play in the California state title game this weekend, he gave an emphatic "no."

"I will not be there," Wade said. "My son ain't playing and I don't want to do nothing to the coach. So I won't be there."

Co-hosts Shaquille O'Neal and Candace Parker immediately noticed the shade ... with CP saying, "Yikes! On national television!"

Of course, Sierra Canyon -- the team that also features LeBron James' son, Bronny -- just advanced to the state title game in epic fashion Tuesday, without much help from Z-Wade, who was a DNP.

The game was pretty amazing ... Ziaire Williams -- a top recruit in the 2020 class -- hit a buzzer-beater to send the team to the natty ... which will be played this Saturday.

While Dwyane made his beef with the coach known over Zaire's role ... he did add, "I won't be there, but I'll be rooting for the kids."

FYI ... Zaire is a senior who has offers from five schools, including Nebraska, to play ball at the college level next season.

Sierra Canyon will play the winner of Thursday night's Sheldon vs. Bishop O'Dowd game.

Thousands of people who were stoked to attend Coachella next month aren't only disappointed, they're stressing out too ... over getting their money back from Airbnb.

As we reported ... the music festival's been postponed to October due to the coronavirus crisis, which means the folks who planned to travel to the Coachella Valley-area and booked a place to stay on Airbnb, are now scrambling for their refund.

That's because, so far, the online booking company is only offering full, automatic refunds to people who were traveling to countries like China, Italy and South Korea ... a fairly short list considering the virus has spread worldwide.

So, renters looking to get their money back have instead been instructed to cancel their reservation -- which automatically refunds 50 percent of their payment -- but they then have to reach out to the host, explain the extenuating circumstance for the cancellation ... and request return of the remaining 50% plus cleaning fees and other expenses.

The good news -- if a host rejects the full refund, renters can file a claim with Airbnb for a special review, and this policy includes some language that seems to support giving folks their cash back.

The policy reads ... "Epidemic disease or illness that suddenly affects a region or an entire group of people" qualifies as a special review circumstance, and policy decisions will be "based on announcements by the World Health Organization and local authorities."

Considering local officials declared a public health emergency in the county where Coachella's located, which clearly contributed to the postponement ... it should certainly fall under this category.

But, the ball's in Airbnb's court ... and so far, refunds are no guarantee.

'AGT' is having a rough go today -- first Howie Mandel shows up to set in a full hazmat suit ... and then we learned Heidi Klum was too ill to work.

Heidi showed up to shoot "America's Got Talent" in Pasadena Tuesday with a smile, but looks can be deceiving. She felt physically ill.

Only 3 judges entered the stage -- Heidi was missing. The judges told the audience she had a case of suspected food poisoning, and Sofia Vergara joked she had sent Heidi food last night. We've learned it was NOT food poisoning -- she just felt like crap.

Unclear what's ailing her, but people get sick all the time and it has nothing to do with the coronavirus.

Interesting ... there was a full audience for the taping today. TMZ broke the story, "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune" are now taping without an audience. Ditto for Wendy Williams and Dr. Phil's shows.

No word if Heidi's gonna dress like Howie the next time she arrives on set ...

Howie Mandel is taking coronavirus panic to the next level, or maybe we're all just not up to his level -- either way, he's prepared for a day on the job. At 'AGT' or Chernobyl!!!

The famous germophobe clearly isn't taking any chances with the deadly virus, and pulled up Tuesday to set rocking a full hazmat suit, gloves and, of course, a gas mask. Keep in mind, "America's Got Talent" shoots in Pasadena, CA ... not Wuhan.

But ya know Howie -- better safe than sorry. He's ready for COVID-19, plague or, more likely, a day's worth of jugglers, puppet acts and singers.

Howie's head-to-toe precautions make Rep. Matt Gaetz look pretty soft. Remember, the FL Congressman showed up on the House floor last week wearing a gas mask during a vote for coronavirus funding. It looked extreme, but Mandell just put that to shame.

As we first told you ... the coronavirus scare has crept its way to 2 of the most popular shows on TV -- "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune" -- so it makes sense Howie would take this approach.

He's not one for simple handshakes under the best of conditions.

Travis Scott, Rage Against the Machine and Frank Ocean will be legends of the fall -- Coachella and its headliners are moving to October due to the coronavirus crisis.

TMZ has confirmed agents for several acts booked for Coachella have been told the new dates are the consecutive weekends of Oct. 9 and Oct. 16. The festival's promoter, Goldenvoice, is in the process now of informing reps for all the acts. The official announcement will likely come once that's done.

The massive music festival was originally scheduled for the weekends of April 10 and April 17, but it's now going the way of several other festivals that are either postponing or pulling the plug altogether.

South by Southwest canceled last week, as did the Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Even live touring legend Pearl Jam just announced it would postpone its upcoming spring dates.

County music fans gotta change their travel plans too -- the Stagecoach festival is postponing from April 24 to October 23.

All of this comes on the heels of other major shifts due to coronavirus fears. TMZ broke the story ... Justin Bieber is moving several of his stadium tour dates to arenas to ensure they can fill the venues, even with reduced ticket sales amid the crisis.

LeBron James has done a complete 180 just days after emphatically stating he would NEVER play an NBA game in a fan-less arena ... now saying he'll do what the league thinks is best.

Remember, the King was asked about playing in front of an empty arena after Friday's game ... to which he strongly replied, "We play games without the fans? Nah, it's impossible ... I ain't playing!"

James -- who says he wasn't aware the league was actually exploring the idea -- now says he'll do whatever medical experts suggest is safest for the Association.

"I had no idea that it was actually a conversation going on behind closed doors about the particular virus," LeBron said at Lakers' practice on Tuesday.

"Obviously, I would be very disappointed not having the fans, because that's who I play for. I play for my family, I play for my fans."

LeBron added ... "At the same time, you gotta listen to the people that's keeping track on what's going on ... and if they feel like it's best for the safety of the players, safety of the franchise, safety of the league to mandate that, then we will all listen to it."

Congressman Matt Gaetz apparently made the rounds before he self-quarantined ... because we got this pic of him chowing down Friday at a West Palm Beach taco joint.

Gaetz hit up Rocco's Tacos and according to eyewitnesses, he was having a great time ... problem is, he had been exposed to someone diagnosed with coronavirus. Gaetz had been at a Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland late last month and came in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the virus.

The Congressman flew on Air Force One with President Trump Monday. Sources close to Gaetz tell TMZ ... the Congressman found out he had been exposed just after boarding the Presidential plane. We're told he then separated himself from others during the flight. Trump has not yet been tested for the virus.

We're told Gaetz is asymptomatic and was tested for the virus and he'll get his results later today. So far he's showing no signs of the virus.

Gaetz took heat for apparently clowning people on the House floor late last week by wearing a contraption over his face. Days later he was self-quarantined.

WWE stud Angel Garza clearly doesn't care ONE BIT about possibly contracting COVID-19 ... the wrestler kissed a fan at an event Monday, and said afterward he doesn't believe in the virus!!

Garza -- who wrestles with a "ladies man" shtick -- was walking out for his RAW match at Capital One Arena in D.C. ... when he found a lady friend on the railing.

Coronavirus concerns be damned ... the 27-year-old let her touch his face TWICE -- and then he leaned in and gave her a big smooch on the cheek!!

Of course, that's become a huge no-no in today's sports world ... because thousands of people have been affected by Coronavirus and more and more are being infected daily.

But, Garza took to Twitter on Tuesday to explain his actions, saying in Spanish, "Coronavirus does NOT exist everything is in the mind."

Garza might be taking the whole situation as a joke ... but WWE officials certainly aren't -- they say they're monitoring the situation closely when it comes to next month's Wrestlemania event in Tampa.

Yeah, competing in the Olympics without fans would be weird -- but it's not a crazy idea ... this according to track legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee who says, "it would be just like practicing."

"I hope it doesn't come to that, but I also want our nation and our world to be safe," JJK told us in New York City.

Of course, everyone is freaking out about the coronavirus -- and multiple major pro sports organizations are kicking around the idea of banning fans from attending events in person.

With the 2020 Olympic Games just around the corner in Tokyo, people are wondering if there will be a no-fan policy there as well.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee tells us the athletes should try their best to stay focused on training -- despite global panic.

"I'm sure our Olympic hopefuls and Olympians are training hard. And, it's out of their control. But, the most important thing is safety for the world."

LeBron James recently said if the NBA bans fans, he WILL NOT play -- but it doesn't sound like Jackie is down with that plan.

Jackie is one of the greatest U.S. track and field athletes of all time -- with 3 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals on her resume.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!!! Even during a worldwide Coronavirus scare ... so says wrestling superstar-turned-Fozzy frontman Chris Jericho, who tells TMZ Sports his band ain't canceling their tour.

The music industry has taken a hit in recent days thanks to the disease ... with huge festivals like SXSW and Ultra (canceled), Coachella and Stagecoach (postponed) deciding to switch up the plan.

On top of that, Pearl Jam has postponed the spring dates of its North American tour ... so when we saw Jericho at LAX on Monday ... we had to ask if his shows were going on as scheduled.

"Why wouldn't they?" Jericho tells us, adding he's not looking to cancel "unless the cops tell us we can't."

FYI -- Fozzy has a huge following ... and the band's biggest hit, "Judas" has more than 35 MILLION views on YouTube.

The band is set to go on a tour through the States starting next month ... and will go through the end of August.

Jericho calls the Coronavirus "mass hysteria" ... and it's clear he's ready to rock out for all those dates.

"The Bachelor" desperately wants to continue taping its 'After the Final Rose' show in front of a live studio audience, but hardcore fans first gotta come clean about the coronavirus.

TMZ's learned all guests attending the show Monday night were handed a COVID-19 disclosure form which gets straight to the point saying, "we are asking all guests to confirm they have not traveled within the past three weeks to or through a location that has been deemed 'Level 3' by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control."

In case audience members aren't plugged in ... the form, obtained by TMZ, lists the hot zones -- including Italy, Iran and China.

Producers also want guests to acknowledge they have not exhibited any coronavirus symptoms or even been in close contact, within 6 feet, with someone else exhibiting symptoms.

Part 2 of 'The Final Rose' is airing Tuesday night as well, and the audience attending will be asked to sign the same form.

For those who can't confirm any of what's in the form, producers say they "are happy to work with you to re-book audience tickets for a later date." The virus is now an issue for TV audiences all over Hollywood.

You think Charles Barkley is just gonna let Draymond Green trash him all over TV without hitting back??

Don't worry, Charles returned fire at the NBA star in NYC -- and we've got the video!

Remember, Green went off on Barkley last week over more harsh criticism -- threatening to take Chuck's TV analyst job because Barkley (who has no rings) is unqualified.

"Barkley should stop before I take his job, though." Green said ... "He also can't talk basketball with me either. Not smart enough, not qualified. No rings, can't sit at this table."

And, does Sir Chuck feel threatened? Nah, man. He's got jokes though!

"I think [Draymond is] a good player and a great guy. I like messing with him but he's got the perfect face for radio!"

Barkley added, "He don't have a TV face! He could do the job but he doesn't have a face for TV."

SHOTS FIRED!

But, Draymond isn't the only topic Barkley was hot about this morning -- he also went off on major sporting events considering banning fans because of the coronavirus scare.

"I don't like that idea for a couple reasons," Barkley said ... "Number 1, the fans, we need them at our games. But, also, do they think people are just gonna stay home when they don't go to sporting events?"

"That's stupid ... like, they're canceling these events and what they think? People are just gonna stay at home and not gonna go out in public at all? People are still gonna go out in public!"

Megan Thee Stallion is all smiles just days after her EP dropped ... and she's adamant it'll hold her fans over until THE BIG ONE drops.

We got the Houston rapper out over the weekend leaving Coach in NYC and she tells us it's been nothing but love since she dropped her 9-track EP, "Suga," on Friday. She's adamant it's gonna hold her fans over until her big album drops.

When that'll happen is unclear. Remember, Megan's label, 1501 Certified Entertainment, went to court and filed a motion to try and stop her from releasing her new music ... but in the end, it was Megan who notched the W in that battle.

Rob Lowe's game show that's supposed to be an obstacle course for the mind is about to become a maze of budget misery for producers ... who got screwed by the coronavirus.

Sources connected to Rob tell TMZ ... season 2 of "Mental Samurai" is moving forward as scheduled -- it's set to air next month -- but there's been a wrench thrown in that's kinda left the team holding the bag financially.

'MS' was scheduled to shoot new episodes in Madrid, Spain for the upcoming season. An entire second set was built in Madrid for international versions of the show, and producers of the American version were going to use the set, presumably in part to save money.

Season 1 was shot on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, but producers wanted to go a different route. Now that they can't, we're told they will use the same Burbank sound stage and set they used in the first season.

Of course, much of Europe is under partial or full quarantines right now ... and Spain is no exception.

We're told the show will be delivered on time, for the April 22 season 2 premiere on Fox.