The league hopes to avoid playing in empty stadiums—an approach that has gained currency elsewhere in the sports world. So MLB is instead working on a plan to find alternative sites for the teams most affected by the outbreak, according to several people familiar with the league’s thinking.

This could take on several forms, these people said. Teams could play at other MLB stadiums in cities less affected by the crisis, when its primary tenant is on the road. They could stay at their spring training facilities in Arizona or Florida and stage regular-season contests there, since those places are experienced at hosting major-league games. Baseball has even received outreach from outside parties with facilities large enough to host MLB teams if they can’t play at home…

Ultimately, baseball realizes it might have no choice in the matter, as local governments begin to assert their authority.