NHL announces enhanced COVID-19 protocols

The NHL announced another round of COVID-19 safety measures on Thursday. 

Those changes will be in effect until Feb. 28 and will hopefully improve areas such as testing, quarantine, facial coverings, team interaction, seating assignments and improvements to the playing environment.

Additional testing

In addition to the current lab-based PCR testing, the league will also provide each U.S.-based club with point-of-care rapid testing. These tests will be administered on game days to all players and club personnel. If anyone tests positive, that individual will immediately isolate per the Positive Test Protocol and contract tracing will begin immediately.

Genomic sequencing will also be introduced on a case-by-case basis as a response to clustered positives. The positive test samples will be analyzed to determine specific strains of the virus and to estimate the possible pathways of transmission between players and other personnel.

The league will also launch a pilot project utilizing data to measure the manner and degree of interaction between players. 

“The goal of this project is to more precisely determine which people should be considered for enhanced monitoring and/or quarantine based on close contact with potentially infected players.”

Quarantine

In order to reduce the introduction of infection, the league will require all players, coaches, training staff, equipment staff and all other members of the traveling party to stay at home. They are to not leave their residence except to attend practices, games or to deal with family emergencies. 

It is also being recommended that household members limit their activity outside their home.

Facial coverings

The NHL is strongly recommending the use of KN95 face masks. Once the clubs acquire a sufficient amount, they will be required to wear KN95 masks at all times off the ice. This includes the locker room. 

Reduced interaction

All meetings will be virtual, including coaching meetings and video sessions. 

Clubs are being advised that no extended time should be spent together unless everyone is masked and socially distanced. Player lounges in hotels are to close no later than midnight.

Seating assignments

It is being suggested that players who have at least some protective immunity be seated next to teammates who haven’t contracted the virus. 

“The players with presumptive immunity can be used as a “buffer” for the players and staff who are unlikely to have such immunity,” the press release said. “For example, a Player who tested positive less than 90 days previously should be seated next to a Player who has never had COVID-19, or who has recovered from COVID-19 more than 90 days previously. The League is recommending that this measure should be applied not only to Players, but equally to Coaches and other Club staff as well.”

Playing environment improvements

In addition to the removal of the plexiglass behind the benches, the league has mandated the removal of the shielding behind the penalty boxes. The clubs will have to install a mesh or a netting behind the benches and penalty box areas as a safety barrier between spectators and players.

Spectators will not be allowed to sit in the sections behind the benches and penalty boxes unless there is a plexiglass or acrylic barrier in the seating area which must be at least 25 feet beyond the back of the benches and penalty boxes. They must also install a seat tarp and have security behind those areas in front of spectators.