Medical experts on Monday congratulated Nippon Professional Baseball for a successful start to its season late last week after a three-month delay, but also asked NPB and the J. League to remain vigilant against the spread of COVID-19 and continue to operate with the utmost caution as both leagues move toward allowing fans into games next month.

The two pro circuits held the 10th meeting of their joint task force on Monday, during which they were briefed by the medical experts.

“As a fan, I’m happy that pro baseball has started,” Mitsuo Kaku, who heads the medical panel, said during an online news conference following the task force meeting. “I don’t think the fans have ever anticipated the opening of a season as much as they have this year.”