NHL says 35 hockey players have tested positive for coronavirus

The National Hockey League announced Monday that 35 hockey players have tested positive for COVID-19 since June 8.

The league released a statement saying that as of Monday, 23 of the 396 players who participated in club training and practice during the second phase of its reopening plan have tested positive for COVID-19. 

The NHL said it is aware of 12 additional players who have tested positive but weren’t involved in the reopening training and practice. 

The players involved in the reopening training and practice were given “in excess of” 2,900 coronavirus tests, including more than 1,400 in the past week, the statement read.

“All Players who have tested positive have been self-isolated and are following CDC and Health Canada protocols,” the statement said, referring to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

“The NHL will continue to provide regular updates on the number of tests administered to players and the results of those tests,” it continued. “The league will not be providing information on the identity of the players or clubs.”

NHL statement on COVID-19 testing results: pic.twitter.com/NDWmOwnvnf

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) July 6, 2020

The Ottawa Senators have recorded five positive COVID-19 cases so far, while Colorado Avalanche has documented three, the Boston Bruins have counted one and the Pittsburgh Penguins recorded one, CBS Sports reported. 

The NHL began its second phase of its return-to-play plan on June 8 and has planned to begin its third phase, the start of training camps, around July 13. 

The league had previously announced in late June that it would not require quarantine for the players ahead of the season resumption, The Associated Press reported. At the time, 11 players had tested positive for the virus.

Canada approved the NHL’s plan last month to permit teams to play in the country and begin a new playoff season. Canada requires people entering from the U.S. to quarantine for 14 days through at least July 21, but the country gave an exemption to allow the NHL to resume.

Sports have been for the most part canceled during the coronavirus pandemic after health officials have warned that large gatherings of people could help spread the virus.