SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The status of the Rangers’ season-opening series against the Mariners at Seattle is uncertain after Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced a three-county ban on crowds of more than 250 people to contain the spread of the new coronavirus in that state.

The ban covers King, Pierce and Snohomish counties and extends to the end of March. The Mariners and T-Mobile Park are in downtown Seattle in King County. Inslee said it is “highly likely” the ban could extend beyond March.

“With today’s announcement by Washington Governor Jay Inslee that will necessitate the relocation of the Seattle Mariners’ Opening Series with the Rangers from March 26-29, we will be working with Major League Baseball and the Mariners on alternate plans for the scheduling of these games," the Rangers said in a statement. "We will provide more information about the plans for this series as it becomes available.”

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said all contingencies are being discussed among Major League Baseball, potential cities where the games could be played and those health departments involved.

“One key thing we are trying to keep in mind is that things change day by day,” Daniels said. “We are talking about something that is a little over two weeks from now. What are the circumstances looking like at that point? I think it’s a little early for me to sit here and break down the pros and cons of each option because I’m totally not sure what the specifics are by the time we get there.”

• Crowd restrictions to impact Mariners' schedule

There have been discussions about playing the games at a neutral site or at the Mariners’ Spring Training complex in Peoria, Ariz.

“Arizona in general has been discussed,” Daniels said. “Whether that’s Peoria or another location, I couldn’t say.”

Chase Field is not an option. The D-backs open the regular season with a four-game series at home against the Braves.

“I think public health and certainly everybody’s family, from our own standpoint and our fans’ interests, those are certainly [foremost in] mind for us,” Daniels said. “I’m not in position to sit here and speak for the league or speak for what exactly will happen. That’s to be determined.”

The Rangers have no plans, as of now, to cancel a concert Saturday at the new Globe Life Field or two exhibition games scheduled for March 23-24.

“Certainly, like everyone in the community, we are following the guidelines issued by the CDC,” Rangers executive vice president of business operations Rob Matwick said. “We did it with our staff and our guests last Saturday at the XFL game at Globe Life Park. We’ll brief our staff today on good hygiene policies.

“If people are in the risk groups, we encourage them to weigh decisions on whether to come to events. Really beyond that, we’re taking our directions from Major League Baseball. We’ve been in constant communication with the league office, just to keep abreast of what’s going on throughout the country.”