Tampa Bay Lightning forced to close training facility after players, staff test positive for COVID-19

By Anthony Scultore

·Updated: June 19, 2020

As the sports world continues to deal with COVID-19, the NHL just became the latest to experience a COVID-19 outbreak with the virus striking the Tampa Bay Lightning.

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Tampa Bay Lightning have closed their training facility due to several positive tests for COVID-19. At the moment, per the report, three players and two staffers have tested positive and additional testing is taking place. This is coming off the heels of several Philadelphia Phillies players tested positive in Florida as well.

I believe it’s three players and two staff who tested positive. Remaining players and staff are being tested. If no further positive tests, expectation is training facility will re-open, Phase Two will continue. If there are further positive tests, well, we will see what happens.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 19, 2020

COVID-19 cases in Florida

Over 4,000 new COVID-19 cases have been recently reported in the State of Florida. According to McKenzie’s report, if the additional tests come back negative, the facility will reopen and the NHL will continue with Phase 2.

3 players and 2 staff of Lightning initially test positive for COVID… this comes shortly after the Philadelphia Phillies announce 5 players & 3 staff test positive in nearby Clearwater. https://t.co/g3FhyZUtdb
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 19, 2020

The NHL has been taking steps towards a return with Canada lifting its quarantine restrictions, creating a path for a hub location. If other NHL teams can avoid a similar COVID-19 outbreak, we shouldn’t be too far away from hockey returning.