NHL, NHLPA Update COVID-19 Protocols Ahead Of 2022 All-Star Game

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After a spike in COVID-19 cases during the holiday break and with the All-Star break on the horizon, the NHL and NHL Player Association have updated their COVID protocol for players and staff.

The isolation period protocol update the league issued on Dec. 29 has been functioning well in its current form, according to the NHL and NHLPA. A significant portion of players appear to be exiting isolation after five days, with a lab-based PCR test.

The NHL will continue to test players, coach and staff the same way through Feb. 3 as long as positive tests continue to decrease, and pending review and agreement by Jan. 31 by the NHL’s and NHLPA’s medical experts. The league and player’s association will also make recommendations for relaxation of the enhanced measures on the Jan. 31 meeting.

Protocol will be updated as follows:

  • There will be no testing of Fully Vaccinated Players and Staff during the All-Star break (including for participating Players and staff), unless needed for travel or development of symptoms.
  • There will be a single test upon re-entry to Club facilities post-All-Star, after which there will no longer be asymptomatic testing, or testing of Fully Vaccinated close contacts.
  • Thereafter, testing will continue only on a limited “for cause” basis in Fully Vaccinated Players and Staff who develop symptoms or require testing for cross-border travel.
  • The post-COVID “testing holiday” will remain at 90 days, but symptom-based testing can still be done at the team physician’s discretion. Testing for cross-border travel post-COVID will be dictated by the relevant health authority, which is currently 90 days for entry to the U.S. and 180 days for entry to Canada.
Steven Boero
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