The Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks, respectively, announced on Wednesday that they will play home games without fans in attendance after local and state governments declared that mass gatherings would be banned because of COVID-19 concerns.

Santa Clara county in California made their announcement on Monday, while the state of Ohio declared their ban on Wednesday.

The Blue Jackets have announced that all of their remaining regular-season home games, starting with Thursday's match against the Penguins, will be played in an empty building. The Sharks, meanwhile, have five remaining home games, but have thus far only said that the first three - March 19 vs. the Canadiens, March 21 vs. the Bruins and March 29 vs. the Coyotes - will be played without fans.

"SAP Center at San Jose is aware of the County of Santa Clara's Public Health Department order to prohibit public and private mass gatherings through the end of March," the team said in a statement on Monday. "We will adhere to the mandated guidelines...We appreciate the understanding and patience of our fans, guests and partners during this unprecedented time."

On Wednesday the Blue Jackets released a statement as well.

"We...will abide by the state's mandate. Admission to games will be limited to home and visiting club personnel, credentialed media and broadcast partners, essential club and arena staff and NHL officials. The games will be closed to the public."

The NBA suspended its season on Wednesday night after saying a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the virus. Multiple reports said the player is Rudy Gobert.