NHL players will face tougher COVID-19 protocols through at least Jan. 7 amid a surge in cases, ESPN reported Wednesday.
Per the network, the NHL, NHLPA and doctors representing both took part in conference calls Tuesday night and Wednesday to address the outbreak.
The Calgary Flames have been hit the hardest with 16 players and coach Darryl Sutter in the league protocols. Their season is on hold until at least Saturday.
Under the new protocols, players will be tested every day instead of every third day, meetings will be held virtually and personnel must wear face masks at team facilities, ESPN reported. Personnel also will be asked to restrict all of their social interaction and to socially distance inside team facilities.
In all, more than two dozen players have entered COVID-19 protocols over the past two days, raising the number to more than 130 for the season, ESPN reported.
On Wednesday, the Canadian province of Ontario took action to reduce capacity at indoor arenas by 50 percent because of COVID-19. That affects the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators of the NHL, as well as the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and other minor-league hockey teams.
–Field Level Media