Blaming omicron variant, NHL resumes daily COVID-19 testing

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NHL Reintroduces Stricter COVID-19 Protocols, Effective Immediately

By the associated press

18 December 2021, 19:45

• 2 minutes to read

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The NHL reintroduced stricter COVID-19 protocols on Saturday that include daily testing and other steps in a bid to limit a growing epidemic among players and team staff.

The improved protocols will go into effect immediately and last until January 1 with an assessment of their impact by January 7 at the latest. The move follows discussions between the NHL and the NHL Players Association as viral conditions worsen in North America.

Three teams – Calgary, Colorado and Florida – are virtually closed until next week due to cases of the virus. About 70 players – 10% of the league’s 700 players – are in the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol and the number of games postponed this season has passed 20.

The NHL has also announced that games involving the Boston Bruins and Nashville Predators will be postponed at least until the league’s scheduled vacation ends on Dec. 26. In addition, Saturday night’s Toronto-Vancouver game and Sunday’s Arizona-Vancouver and Toronto-Seattle games have been postponed.

Several Canadian provinces are now or will soon limit participation in major events such as NHL games to 50% of their capacity.

In addition to daily testing for players and coaches, “additional pre-game testing may be implemented on a case-by-case basis when a COVID outbreak occurs within a team.”

The league said the omicron variant is responsible for the rise in cases.

“Given the increased number of positive cases in our league over the past two weeks and the changing societal realities with the new omicron COVID-19 variant, the NHLPA and the NHL have collectively agreed that all clubs will be required to follow enhanced prevention and detection measures. “said the league.

Moments after the announcement, Detroit placed three players, coach Jeff Blashill and assistant coach Alex Tanguay in protocol before Saturday night’s home game against New Jersey. The Red Wings have the only player in the league, Tyler Bertuzzi, who is unvaccinated.

While postponed games may be rescheduled, all eyes are on the schedule: NHL plans to allow its players to compete in the Winter Olympics in China in February – unless COVID-19-related disruption turn out to be too important.

The NHL has until January 10 to withdraw from the Winter Games without financial penalty, but reserves the right to cancel plans until players make it to Beijing.

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