The NCAA Tournament will go on but there will be no fans in the seats.

In a new statement released on Wednesday afternoon, the NCAA writes that the COVID-19 advisory panel "recommends against sporting events open to the public."

"We do believe sport events can take place with only essential personnel and limited family attendance, and this protects our players, employees, and fans."

"While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans for our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States, " added NCAA president Mark Emmert in another statement. "The decision is in the best interest of public health including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today we will more forward and conduct championships with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed."

The Gators are set to play in the SEC Tournament on Thursday. As of writing, fans are still welcome at the event.

This comes one day after Florida wrote its own statement about its procedures surrounding athletic events on campus.

"The University of Florida Athletic Department is following the advice of campus leadership, along with federal, state and local health officials to ensure that student athletes, coaches, staff and fans are as safe as possible," the statement read.

"All scheduled Gator Athletic events are currently continuing as planned. Enhanced sanitizing and cleaning procedures will be in place at all venues."

When the statement was released on Tuesday there were no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Alachua County, however, that changed overnight. The Florida Department of Health says a 68-year old woman was positive for COVID-19 in Alachua County.

"The Athletic Department will continue monitoring the developments of the COVID-19 virus and its potential impact on both home and away athletic events and any updates will be announced."

According to a report by WCJB-TV20, The University of Florida Associate Provost, Andrew McCullough, announced in an email that all classes must be moved online as soon as possible and no later than Monday, March 16.

The Gators football team was set to open its first spring practice on Monday. No word yet on whether or not that is still the case.