In response to the threat of COVID-19, the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) has shut down all conference and non-conference games for the remainder of the winter and spring sports seasons.

“We are committed to the well-being of our student-athletes and staff and know this is a very difficult time for all involved,” said Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. “Hofstra University is committed to assisting our student-athletes with any questions and concerns they have during this time and will do our best to answer them. Our hearts go out to all those affected.”

This unprecedented decision came after extensive talks and collaboration with the conference’s institutional administrators in an effort to halt the spread of COVID-19. The U.S. government wants the Americans to practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from each other to prevent the spread of infection. Officials within the CAA feel that this is the best course of action to keep their athletes, workers and fans safe from the disease, which has been running rampant through the U.S. over the past several weeks.

Along with this decision, the CAA has also suspended all in-person recruiting for Hofstra’s athletic personnel, both on and off campus. The CAA says they will continue to watch and survey the virus before figuring out what their next step will be moving forward.

“These are troubling times for everyone who is facing this global pandemic, but the top-priority of the CAA is the well-being and safety of their student-athletes, coaches, administrators and the fans,” the CAA said in a statement.