Just like other countries in different parts of the world, Canada too requires anyone who has arrived from abroad to self-quarantine for at least 14 days post-travel. The players are not exempted from these rules and so they must also self-quarantine before engaging in any form of training activities. This is regardless of whether they’re showing any symptoms or not.

All the players and team staff are then supposed to be tested 48hours before returning they can return to the team facilities. For anyone to be allowed back, they first have to receive negative results.

It’s highly advisable that teams test all their players and staff at least twice every week. They will also be subjected to daily temperature checks as soon as they arrive at the team facility. If a person has a temperature higher than 37.5°C, they will not be granted access to the facility.

When the actual play resumes …

When the actual plat resumes, the players will mostly be traveling to one of two hub cities that will host the games. The league is expected to release detailed guidelines that will have to be followed strictly if the facilities are to remain open.

Part of the phased approach requires that the facilities be reopened in a limited approach. This means that not all players will be allowed to play all at once. The guidelines allow for small gatherings at a time.

Parting short

The NHL finally made the decision to resume competitive hockey and the fans are more than excited. The return features an expanded 24-team playoff format but unfortunately, there will be no fans. They have and are working so hard to address the risk of the Coronavirus. The safety and wellbeing of the players and other team players always come first.

The action on the 1st of August will begin with 5 games in Edmonton.