Screencap: @Capitals
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended to the NHL to close dressing rooms to the media in an effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Media availabilities are set to take place in a formal press conference area. This goes into effect today.
Other leagues following this recommendation include the NBA, MLB, and MLS.
Starting today, @NHL will close dressing rooms to media, on recommendation of Centers for Disease Control (@CDCgov) in effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. NBA, MLB + MLS are expected to follow. Media availabilities will be conducted in formal press conference area.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 7, 2020
The deadly Coronavirus was one of many topics discussed during last week’s NHL general managers meeting in Boca Raton, Florida. The league is taking additional precautions for the health of players, coaches, and all staff, and have advised that players and staff of all clubs wash hands and various equipment frequently to prevent any spread.
Starting today, #NHL plans to close dressing room access to media, on recommendation of Centers for Disease Control in effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. NBA, MLB and MLS are expected to follow. Media availabilities will now be conducted in formal press conference areas.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 7, 2020
Stick shortages have been blamed on the virus. Two of the largest hockey stick brands, CCM and Bauer, both make their sticks in China, the epicenter of Coronavirus. Since January, the halt has been affecting the production of sticks.
Coronavirus also forced the IIHF to cancel tournaments. Leagues and sports worldwide have been playing some games without fans amid the growing spread. The Kunlun Red Star, an ice hockey club located in Beijing, of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) moved its games to Russia for the remainder of the season due to the outbreak.
For updates and more information about the Coronavirus, click here.
By Della Young
