***UPDATE*** The ACC has canceled all athletic-related activities through the end of the 2019-20 academic year.

Athletics had previously been suspended indefinitely and this move by the ACC reflects a decision made by many conferences across the country. The NCAA has announced that spring student-athletes will be given an additional year of eligibility due to the cancellations.

UNC athletics, and all other Atlantic Coast Conference athletics, have suspended competition indefinitely due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

The decision comes hours after the ACC canceled its Men’s Basketball Tournament midway through due to concern over coronavirus. UNC played Syracuse on Wednesday evening, but Thursday’s game between Florida State and Clemson was canceled shortly before tip-off. The Seminoles were named the ACC champions and were awarded the ACC Championship trophy.

The conference tweeted a statement Thursday clarifying its decision.

“This is uncharted territory and the health and safety of our student-athletes and institutions remains our top priority,” said ACC Commissioner John Swofford in a release. “This decision is aimed to protect from the further spread of COVID-19.”

Ahead of the announcement, Duke was the first ACC school to announce it would temporary withhold athletics. UNC has not yet released an official statement on the suspension.

The teams currently in season for UNC include baseball, softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s tennis, track, gymnastics, swimming and diving, fencing, rowing and wrestling.

“There is so much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, and things are changing so quickly nationally, that the ACC’s decision is appropriate at this time,” said Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham “We know this makes a significant impact on students because there is such a limited time to compete in college.

“We particularly empathize with our seniors and teams who have worked so hard and are competing for national championships. The health and safety of our students, coaches, staff, fans and visitors is our priority. We appreciate everyone’s understanding during this challenging time.”

UNC football was set to begin its spring practice on March 17, which has now been postponed. UNC’s spring football game is set for April 18.

This post will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.

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